Building works to improve patient flow begin
A few changes are taking place at the front of Southend Hospital, as part of the £9.7million building improvements plan to help provide better patient care and patient flow.
These changes will also help tackle the pressures of the COVID-19 pandemic and people arriving at the hospital needing emergency care.
As part of this work, the Prittlewell entrance is temporarily closed to vehicles and patients and is expected to open again around Christmas, to ensure health and safety whilst work takes place. Car Park D will remain open for parking and access for patients using the Day Assessment Unit and bereavement services.
Entrance into the hospital will be via the Cardigan Wing entrance and the entrance to the side of the tower block, near the Macmillan Information and Support Centre. The Emergency Department remains unaffected.
New automatic doors are being added to the old entrance, along with a new ramp and steps to help create better access. A new pathway is also being created.
A three-storey modular building is set to rise up at the front of the hospital on the site of the old Rheumatology and Research and Development prefab building. This old building is being dismantled and the new permanent build is set to be completed in early 2021.
When it’s open this new build will include same-day emergency care facilities on the ground floor, trauma and surgical assessment units on the first floor and a larger patient discharge lounge on the second floor.