Health care staff impressed by PEH modernisation plans
A CHANCE to look at the Princess Elizabeth Hospital’s modernisation plans saw only positive feedback from staff not directly involved in the project.
Work is due to begin next year on the hospital and in the final of three drop-in sessions staff from Health & Social Care and the Medical Specialist Group were able to see and hear first-hand what would soon be taking shape.
Occupational therapy lead for physical health and wheelchair services Sarah Rive was one of those who wanted to take a glimpse at the plans.
She said they looked great.
‘From our point of view in occupational therapy it will make a huge difference,’ she said.
‘The redesign and how it will impact our service, assessment and treatments is extremely beneficial as it will be more user-friendly and help us to encourage self-care so that patients can leave hospital quicker and reduce the risks, especially in older people who may be less mobile.
‘There are some really good ideas and being able to see the layout, the space and the facilities, more modern facilities is definitely what people need and want to see.’
Primary focus is currently on the finalised plans of phase one, which features a new critical care unit and theatre recovery ward.
Work on this phase is due to begin next summer and be completed towards the end of 2022.
Phase two includes a remodelled main entrance, new women and children’s facilities and a private ward, while phase three will see the refurbishment of the emergency department with separate ambulance and walk-in entrances, as well as a new orthopaedic ward and a new fracture clinic.
To showcase what would be taking place a 3D video, as well as architectural drawings and example images of what elements of the new facilities would be like, were on offer to show those coming to have a look what the end product would look like.
Director of hospital modernisation Jan Coleman said she was pleased to hear the feedback from those that had been directly involved in the development and those that had not.
‘It’s so exciting and everybody who has come to see the designs think it’s the best that it can be,’ she said.
‘Our aim is to future-proof the hospital and we’ve learnt along the way.
‘In terms of the plans, Covid came at the right time for us as we were able to factor that into what we could do, like designing a day patient unit that could be used for any future pandemics.’
She said that although UK expertise had been sought on the plans as they were more experienced in hospital builds, they would use local builders where possible.
‘These plans have been bubbling since 2014 and in many ways the whole project has been a long time coming, there’s so much thanks that all those that have been involved.’
The plans are set to take seven years with phase one estimated to cost between £34.3m. and £44.3m.
The entire programme is estimated to cost up to £93.4m.
A public showcase is due to take place next month.
