Walsall North MP Eddie Hughes visited Walsall Manor Hospital today to see the progress made on its new multi-million pound Emergency Department and Acute Medical Unit development.
Construction on the main phase of the c£40m development is now well under way following the completion of enabling works at the site.
The scheme, being delivered by Tilbury Douglas Construction Limited (formerly Interserve Construction), is set to significantly improve emergency care facilities and capacity.
Mr Hughes said: “After years of planning and all the months of necessary preparatory work that has to go into such a significant development it was fantastic to be able to see for myself the progress made on Walsall’s new Emergency Department and Acute Medical Unit today.
“This much-needed improvement is really taking shape now and will enhance the care and service that our local residents deserve as well as create a state-of-the-art working environment for the dedicated staff who work there.
“Thanks to interim Chief Executive Professor David Loughton CBE and Tilbury Douglas for today’s tour and I look forward to coming back again as its nears completion next autumn.”
The new development includes an Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC); Emergency Department (ED) including Resus and Rapid Assessment and Treatment (RAT) area, and Children’s ED; co-located Paediatric Assessment Unit; Acute Medical Unit and provision for Ambulatory Emergency Care services in a future phase.
It also includes re-configuration of the current Emergency Department footprint, to incorporate improved Ambulatory Emergency Care and Imaging services.
Various specialist facilities are located throughout, such as an isolation room for infectious patients, bariatric provision and digital x-ray rooms. All areas have been designed specifically to enhance clinical staff efficiency, provide improved quality of care, improved patient experience, and a much improved working environment for staff.
Professor Loughton added: “I echo Eddie’s comments about really being able to see this major project take shape now. Patients of all ages will reap the benefits of being cared for and supported in a much better environment than the one we currently have. And it will also help us to retain committed colleagues while recruiting new staff to join us in what will be a real asset to our urgent care services.”