Museum@WRI - a new permanent exhibition exploring the history of medicine - is to be created in one of the Worcester Royal Infirmary's former wards.

An extensive collection of medical equipment, documents and uniform are to go on display as part of the exhibition, which is being developed by the University of Worcester (UW). UW is working with the city's George Marshall Medicine Museum on the scheme, which has been awarded £537,000 grant by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Bristol-based Simon Fenn is behind the design of the exhibition, which will feature "talking beds" and examples of traditional Victorian wards. George Marshall Medicine Museum will remain open once the new exhibition is complete.

Museum curator Catriona Smellie said: "The exhibition will include a lively interactive area, which will link the history of medicine to contemporary medical issues such as obesity and mental illness." Worcester Royal Infirmary is the birthplace of the British Medical Association, which was formed by Sir Charles Hastings in 1832. It now forms part of UW's City Campus.