Walk-in centre extends its opening hours
WORK has begun on a £1.25m project to expand the A&E department at Southport Hospital.
Building work is already under way at the hospital, with the plans designed “to create a more spacious, modern environment”.
The work will also result in an improved ambulance handover area and better access for disabled people.
The centrepiece of the improvements is an 80 sq metre, nine-bay extension, constructed from four ready-built modules.
They will be each lowered by crane into an internal courtyard, connected together and linked to the A&E department by a short corridor.
This work is expected to be completed by the middle of April, with improvements to this existing department continuing into the summer.
The move comes after Southport Hospital was one of the large numbe of hospitals to struggle to cope with demand during the winter crisis. Between December 18-31, more than 200 patients had to wait longer than 30 minutes in ambulances before being admitted – 94 of those for more than an hour.
In 2016, fears were raised for the future of the departments, with the possibilty of it being downgraded to no longer open 24 hours a day or stop treating some serious conditions – raised in a draft document of NHS plans.
However, hospital bosses have remained adamant that no closure or loss of service was ever formally discussed and have now announced the expansion.
Therese Patten, chief operating officer, said: “This is wonderful news. Our local population is older than average with many very poorly, frailer patients, meaning these improvements are very much needed.
“Over the past three years, there’s been an almost 10% rise in patients coming to A&E. The team regularly sees at least 150 patients a day and last summer saw the highest level of attendances on record.
“I’m proud to say, however, that despite these challenges staff working together across the trust still manage to deliver a service that scores well when compared with neighbouring hospitals.”
She added: “The work will reduce overcrowding at the busiest times, improve the experience of care for patients and provide a better environment for our staff.”
Damien Moore, MP for Southport, said: “Today’s announcement is more positive news for Southport Hospital and the town’s residents.
“With people living longer than ever before, it is important that hospitals think strategically and long-term when it comes to investing their resources.
“That’s why I am delighted the hospital is taking advantage of the additional £1.35mn I helped to secure and is investing longterm into the future of Southport’s accident and emergency Service.
“Overall, this is great news for hospital staff, patients and residents who can now see for themselves the renewed positivity and longevity coming from our local hospital.” AN NHS walk-in centre in West Lancashire has extended its weekend opening hours.
The walk-in centre at The Concourse Shopping Centre in Skelmersdale is now open from 8am to 7.30pm, seven days a week.
The nurse-led centre is available to children and adults and treats conditions including minor illnesses and ailments such as chest infections, skin rashes, insect bites, minor burns, scolds, strains and sprains.
According to Virgin Care, which runs the centre, the majority of people that do visit the walk-in centre are seen within four hours.
Elaine Wilson, urgent care lead at Virgin Care in West Lancashire, said: “Anyone can access our walk-in centre without an appointment; you simply walk in, register at reception and wait to see a clinician.
“We offer access to flexible and convenient health services for people who may have difficulty accessing a convenient appointment at their registered GP practice or for those who may not be registered with a GP practice.
“We can also help patients who might normally attend A&E for a condition which could be treated at the walk-in centre.”
For more about the service, and to keep updated, visit: www. westlancs communityhealth .nhs.uk/ ourservices/ skelmersdale-walkcentre.