Publish date: 19 May 2022
Work begins this month on a £20 million refurbishment of the existing A&E department at Tameside Hospital to create a landmark design which combines a comfortable place for patients with a safe and efficient working environment for the clinical teams.
The plans will see a new rapid assessment and treatment facility created in addition to an expanded resuscitation area and a larger number of cubicles which will improve privacy for patients. Proposals also include a larger waiting room with additional triage facilities.
A&E provides 24 hour emergency care and treatment for all illnesses and injuries. The service will remain in operation throughout the build, which is set to be completed in March 2024.
Work will be delivered through a complex phasing plan which will allow the Trust to maintain a full complement of urgent care services throughout the project. Whilst relocation of some services to other parts of the Hospital will be required at some stages of the development, teams will be on hand to help patients and visitors navigate to the correct location.
Funded by a Government grant, approved jointly by the Department of Health and Social Care and NHS England and NHS Improvement - and with planning permission now approved by Tameside Council - the innovative design is set to improve the facilities for patients and staff.
Chief Executive Karen James OBE explained that expansion of the Emergency Department is required given that the Trust now treats many more patients than can be accommodated within the current design.
She explains; “Currently the ambulance drop off bay is served by a single layby, with a covered canopy that can only receive one ambulance at a time. Under this new design we will be able to provide four ambulance bays and significantly reduce queuing.
“These proposals match the Trust’s aspiration to create a landmark design for the new Emergency Department, which will not only have a striking and attractive appearance, but will create a safe and efficient working environment for staff.”
Paul Featherstone, Executive Director of Estates and Facilities, whose team is responsible for delivering the build on budget and on time added that the new design has been developed with the input of staff and members of the public and will provide an environment which better meets the needs of patients.
