Improvement to York Hospital A&E complete

A much needed £650,000 refurbishment of the Emergency Department at York Hospital has been completed, just in time for the predictably busy winter months ahead.

Designed to help patients access the care they need more efficiently as the busy winter months begin to bite, the front end of the department has been reconfigured into two areas - one providing conventional emergency services and the other an urgent care and primary care centre providing better access for people with less severe conditions and planned outpatient appointments.

On arrival, patients are now seen by a senior nurse to ensure they are directed to the area that will best meet their needs.  This will help speed up the treatment of patients by ensuring that patients needing emergency care see the right staff more quickly.

The refurbishment has been made possible thanks to investment from the Government’s Primary Care Streaming Initiative and capital investment from the Trust.  The works include a bright new reception desk, two new assessment rooms and extensive improvements to the waiting area and infrastructure.

Jamie Todd, Directorate Manager for the Emergency Department at York Hospital, explained: “I am really pleased that we have been able to carry out these improvements, which have already received positive feedback from patients and staff.

“This much-needed refurbishment means we can improve and streamline how patients are assessed and treated, which should reduce the time that people wait in the department, and ultimately improve patient safety.”

The upgrade has also received support from York Teaching Hospital Charity, including money from their recent Dementia Appeal, and Friends of York Hospital.  Thanks to their support improved signage, seating and a dementia safe space room have been introduced to help patients living with dementia and other mental health conditions have an improved patient experience in what is a busy, highly pressurised, environment.

Fundraising Manager at York Teaching Hospital Charity, Lucy Clegg said: “We are delighted to be able to support such an important upgrade to the Emergency Department.  Without the generosity of our supporters we would be unable to help support these projects such as these and we are incredibly grateful.  Supporters of our Dementia Appeal have made it possible for the Trust to make specific improvements that will help patients living with dementia when they come through the department.

“I would also want to extend special thanks to Friends of York Hospitals who made a significant donation of £15,000 which has helped to provide many of the fixtures are fittings in the new areas.”

Jamie added: “Our staff have worked hard to ensure disruption to patients has been kept to a minimum throughout the building work and I thank them all for their professionalism, dedication and patience over the last few months.

“Credit must also go to the Trust’s capital projects team, especially Jen Bennison our Capital Projects Manager, the estates and facilities team and F Parkinson Ltd, principal contractor, John Wright Electrical and Mechanical Services Ltd. all of who have worked tirelessly over the last few weeks to deliver this upgrade to tight deadlines in busy and hectic environment.”

18 January 2019