Patients, staff and visitors had a virtual sneak peek of Walsall’s Urgent and Emergency Care Centre (UECC) which is due to be fully functioning in the New Year.

A stand was held today by Costa Coffee at Walsall Manor Hospital today to promote the new build with Sarah Radford, Project Support Manager for Emergency and Acute Care and Simon Johnson, Staff Engagement Lead.

They spoke with a range of clinical and non-clinical staff as well as patients currently at the hospital and members of the public.

There was a buzz of excitement for the new development and lots of questions.

Everyone also had an opportunity to see areas of the UECC in virtual reality with VR headsets as well as a free pen and sweet treats.

Sarah said: “It’s been great to hold this stand today as we have been able to get the word out about our new UECC and tell everyone about what we have in store when it does open. It was a great opportunity to clarify any questions or concerns people had.”

Here are some of the things people who visited the stand had to say:

• Susan Byrne, currently a patient at the Trust who is from Bilston said: “I think this is definitely needed and I’m impressed by all the thought that has gone into it – especially surrounding the mental health aspect.”
• Robert Stevens, member of the public, from Willenhall said: “I think it is very good and it will be a great improvement from the current Emergency Department.”
• Charlotte Needham-Bennett, Medical Student said: “I am looking to go into Emergency Medicine so to see this all happening is very exciting and I think it is great.”
• Kerry Child, Adult Safeguarding Nurse said: “I think it is very exciting and I am looking forward to it opening. From my perspective, being in safeguarding, this new area is really going to help because the extra space and better facility means our staff can treat and discharge patients even more safely.”
• Andy Tams, Undergraduate Medical Education Team Manager said: “I am looking forward to it opening and it is a really exciting thing for Walsall.”
• Bianca Namutulo, Clerical Officer for Theatres, said: “I think it is needed and I hope it works and is very successful.”

Another stand will be held at the same location this Wednesday 30 November, 10am-2pm.

The multi-million-pound provision includes an Urgent Treatment Centre, Emergency Department including Resus and Rapid Assessment and Treatment area, and Children’s ED, co-located Paediatric Assessment Unit, Acute Medical Unit and provision for Frailty and Community Integrated Assessment services.

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, improve quality of care, improve patient experience, and improve the working environment for staff.