A new children’s emergency department has opened at the Isle of Wight hospital, marking the end of the first phase of works to build a multimillion pound emergency care floor.
St Mary's Hospital's new paediatric emergency department comes equipped with a new resus and majors area, and ambulance entrance.
Its new, dedicated waiting room has more natural lighting and is decorated with murals, designed by the same illustrator who has completed the new artwork in the children’s ward.
Chief officer, Joe Smyth, said: “The improvements to our emergency care floor will mean patients will have a much better experience. This is an exciting first step and patients will see a number of benefits."
The overall programme of work, which is due to be completed this winter, will see the Island’s existing emergency department, urgent treatment centre and short stay facilities come together in one place.
Mr Smyth warned the remaining phases of work will bring "some operational difficulties".
He said the main department will, at times, be reduced to allow the development of more integrated emergency services at the front of the hospital.
“We would like to thank our Island community for their patience as our multi-million investment programme continues", he said.
The Isle of Wight NHS Trust said the full benefits of the new children's emergency department will not be fully realised until the remaining phases of the new emergency floor have been completed.
Children and young people, and their parents or guardian, will need to use the new emergency department entrance when visiting the children’s emergency department.
Adults, meanwhile, should continue checking in to the emergency department and urgent treatment centre at the urgent treatment centre reception.
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