Investment in major project will help improve our Emergency Department
We're delighted to confirm that, linking in with the wider Loveday Street project, major improvement works have been agreed upon for our Children’s Hospital Emergency Department (ED).
As part of a £2.3million upgrade scheme, a new fully modernised and more spacious resuscitation area will be built, enabling an increase in clinical assessment space for the department. This will be located where the former ambulance bay was sited – between ED and Fracture Clinic.
In addition, based on feedback from colleagues, families and last year's Care Quality Commission report, a new Changing Places facility will be built to provide completely accessible toilet and bathroom facilities for those not able to use the toilet independently.
The improvement works will also include appropriate, independent space for the assessment and observation of patients with mental health needs.
This will run alongside the remainder of the Loveday Street new clinical build project, which will be home to a new state-of-the-art intraoperative MRI (iMRI) machine thanks to our Charity and supporters.
This new phase of ED upgrade is planned for completion this summer (2025).
At around the same time, our Medicine Chest Pharmacy will also move into the ground floor of the new building, relocating from its current home next to the hospital's main entrance, which will be fully revamped as part of our 'It Starts Here' Charity appeal.
The newly located Medicine Chest will boast a large consultation room, more waiting area space, the potential for ‘Amazon style lockers’ allowing 24-hour collection options for patients and families and a new state-of-the-art dispensing robot.
Chief Executive, Matt Boazman, said: “I’m delighted we’re able to confirm these major improvements for our Emergency Department.
“Plans have been put together after listening to feedback from our team, families and the Care Quality Commission, whose report last year highlighted areas for improvement to our estate.
Shaun Jackson, Director of Estates, said: “We’re really pleased this exciting improvement project has now been confirmed.
“Work will start soon, running alongside the remaining months of our £35million Loveday Street new clinical building project, scheduled to open this summer.
“We’ve been working closely with our clinical colleagues in ED to ensure the plans and designs meet their needs in the best ways possible. This collaboration will continue as the build takes place.”