Hospital’s £15m A&E building work begins
TWO-STOREY EXTENSION WILL DOUBLE THE SIZE OF CASUALTY UNIT
A £15m building scheme has begun at Wythenshawe Hospital to double the size of the A&E unit.
It includes a new two storey extension at the front of the existing department, which will house new major and minor injury areas, a new waiting area and reception.
Part of the existing hospital will be refurbished to create a new resuscitation area, and improve the children’s emergency department and X-ray facilities.
They will also create better facilities for patient’s relatives, as well as more offices and teaching rooms.
The project has been beset by delays, since the plans were first revealed in 2014.
The extension is due to be complete by summer 2018, and the rest of the refurbishments finished early in 2019.
A commemorative stone has been laid at the site by Wythenshawe and Sale East MP Mike Kane, alongside hospital bosses and contractors, to mark the start of building work.
Silas Nicholls, chief executive of University Hospital of South Manchester (UHSM), the trust which runs Wythenshawe, said: “This is a major investment for the Trust and recognises the very specialist emergency care which we can offer to patients across South Manchester and Trafford.
“Once completed, this will be one of the most modern Emergency Departments in the UK, with the very latest facilities.
“The new development more than doubles the size of our existing Emergency Department and has been designed to improve the patient environment with larger treatment rooms and cubicles, as well as much more comfortable facilities for our patients and their families.”
Mike Kane MP said: “I was delighted to visit Wythenshawe Hospital to see building work on this important extension to the Emergency Department really taking shape. For the people and patients of this part of south Manchester, it is vital they have access to the very latest, specialist emergency care when they need it most and this new development certainly signifies this and the hospital’s strong future.”
Phil Shaw, divisional director of contractors Interserve Construction, added: “We are very proud to have secured the contract to design and construct the redevelopment of the Wythenshawe Hospital Emergency Department.
“We have an excellent team in place and look forward to what will undoubtedly be a very rewarding project for all involved.”