Improvements will see ward F8 refurbished and reopened as the new base for the hospital's emergency assessment unit

A major refurbishment project has begun at West Suffolk Hospital, which will cost over £800,000.

The project will improve and modernise facilities for patients, by completely refurbishing ward F8.

Medical gas and suction will be installed to every bed space using a piped system, lighting will be replaced and the whole ward will be redecorated using contrasting finishes to help reduce confusion and falls in patients with dementia.

Once work has been completed early next year, the ward will reopen as the new base for the hospital’s emergency assessment unit (EAU). Patients will be referred to the short stay area by their GP or A&E, and will be assessed and tests completed before a decision is taken on whether to discharge them or admit them to the main hospital.

The relocated EAU will have 29 beds, two of which will be high dependency. It will be directly above A&E to help improve efficiency and patient flow around the hospital.

In addition, a £522,000 backlog maintenance project is taking place in the day surgery unit. Lighting will be replaced, theatre ventilation will be cleaned, medical gas systems upgraded and changes made to finishes, while additional measures will be put in place to ensure compliance with the disability discrimination act.

A waiting room has been converted into a local anaesthetic theatre to allow the hospital to continue carrying out minor procedures during the project.

Gwen Nuttall, executive chief operating officer at the hospital, said: "This major investment underlines our commitment to continually improving both the fabric of the hospital and our services for the benefit of the patients we care for."

"Not only will the refurbished unit provide patients with a nicer environment in which to receive treatment but will also help us to work more efficiently."

Further information:
West Suffolk Hospital