New centre is open at hospital
A STATE-OF-THE-ART centre of excellence has opened at Nuneaton’s hospital, paving the way for better access for thousands of patients.
The new £4.1million endoscopy unit is set to help the 6,000 plus people who undergo an endoscopy procedure at the George Eliot Hospital every year.
In a nod to the literary works of Nuneaton’s most famous daughter, writer George Eliot, the unit has been called the Solomon Macey Unit, after a character from the novel Silas Marner.
Bosses at the Nuneaton NHS Trust say that the purpose-built unit will improve waiting lists as well as enhancing the patient experience and ensuring that men and women have separate facilities before and after their treatment.
Dr Edmond Sung, clinical lead for the unit, said: “I’m proud to be part of this new, purpose-built, nationally accredited endoscopy unit, which is able to deliver improved services for local people. It was fantastic to be able to show our guests around and follow the patient journey through our new facility.”
Kath Kelly, chief executive at George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust, added: “The new Endoscopy Unit is great for patients, staff and the public and we are thrilled that this investment in our Trust has been such a great success. The Solomon Macey Unit is a shining example of our commitment to delivering quality health services to our local population in Nuneaton, North Warwickshire and West Leicestershire.”
Former BBC newsreader Kay Alexander was given the honour of officially opening the unit in front of a packed audience including the Mayor of Nuneaton and Bedworth, Councillor Bill Hancox, and the MP for North Warwickshire, Craig Tracey.
Members of the George Eliot Fellowship were also at the launch. In keeping with the name of the new unit, they created a colourful information board which gives patients facts about where the name for the unit comes from.