Nurse helps cement future of Southend’s new Emergency Department building
A nurse, who has worked in an Emergency Department (ED) for more than 20 years, has placed one of the final bricks in the new £8.5 million extension.
Jane Ralph, Matron, laid the brick in this phase of Southend Hospital’s ED expansion helping cement the new building’s place in the community.
The brick was placed in what will open as the children’s emergency department in early 2025, which will have a dedicated entrance that links directly to the children’s ward.
Jane, proud of being part of such an important development, said: “It’s been amazing to see this building take shape so quickly. Our patients are at the heart of everything we do, so it is an honour to place this brick in a project that will transform how we care for them. This expansion provides patients with state-of-the-art emergency care now, and for years to come.”
Forming part of the phased opening to the new and improved ED, adult treatment areas, waiting rooms and resuscitation spaces, will open in summer 2025 after being completely redesigned. The improved layout will help reduce the amount of time ambulances wait to transfer patients, so that people can get the urgent care they need as quickly as possible.