Hospital in £1.25m expansion scheme
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 squaremetre, 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.
It comes after Southport Hospital was one of the vast majority of hospitals struggling to cope with demand during the winter crisis. Between December 18-31, more than 200 patients were forced 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.
Chief operating officer, Therese Patten, 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.”
MP for Southport, D Damien Moore, said: “Today’s announcement i is more positive news for Southport Hospital and the town’s residents. With people living longer than ever before, it is import tant that hospitals think strategically and longterm when it comes to investing their resources.
“That’s why I am delighted the hospital is taking advantage of the a additional £1.35m I h helped to secure and is investing long-term 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.”