The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, the Rt Hon Sajid Javid MP, officially opened the latest project to be completed by offsite building specialist, MTX, at Leighton Hospital in Crewe.
The 4200sqm two-storey development provided the Mid Cheshire Trust with an A&E department extension that offers a larger, better, and safer environment for patients and staff, whilst helping to combat the extended waiting lists that the NHS is currently facing due to the pandemic.
The development is comprised of ground floor treatment rooms including, rapid assessment bays, isolation and resus bays, a bereavement suite, x-ray facilities, as well as a dedicated paediatric unit and mental health assessment rooms. On the first-floor level, a large number of offices and staff areas have been created. The extension was delivered following the Trust successfully securing Government funding last year.
Steven Hartley, Project Director from MTX heading up the Leighton Hospital works, said: “Efficiency has never been more important in the healthcare industry, especially during these unprecedented times. The project we delivered for Leighton Hospital will allow the Trust to provide greater clinical effectiveness for both patients and staff.
“The new department sees the relocation of the ambulatory care services into the new increased capacity facility, in essence, creating an urgent care village which not only reduces patient assessment times, but supports a more cohesive working and overall improved patient experience.’ We’re incredibly proud that the Secretary of State was able to make the visit to open the newly completed project at Leighton Hospital.”
James Sumner, Chief Executive of the Mid Cheshire Trust, added: “We were delighted to welcome the Secretary of State to Leighton, at a time when we are investing in enhanced hospital services for our local community. The purpose-built A&E ensures a bigger, better, and safer environment for both patients and staff. A&E attendance has increased across the country in recent years, so this provides an excellent opportunity to meet the needs of our growing population of 300,000.”
Dr David Matthews, Clinical Director of Emergency Care, concluded: “The NHS has been tested to the maximum by a combination of higher patient attendances, the Coronavirus pandemic and the annual winter pressures. This facility is really exciting for the Trust – it has been carefully designed to allow for the clear separation of children and adults in a modern, welcoming environment that will greatly improve the patient experience.”
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