£1.6m injection to upgrade hospital

HEALTH chiefs are planning a £1.6 million revamp of "front door" services at the Western General Hospital.

Work on the Western's acute receiving unit is finally to start in 2009, after several delays.

The unit already treats more than 17,000 people a year, but will be given more space to expand its services.

It is hoped the unit will help ease pressure on the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary's accident and emergency department.

The work is expected to take about a year to complete and the current unit will be moved to an adjacent part of the hospital so it can still operate while work is carried out.

Although the unit is primarily for referrals from GPs, it also accepts unscheduled appointments which, for some types of injury, makes it an alternative to the ERI's A&E, which is already Scotland's busiest, and is having to cope with more patients all the time.

The new receiving unit will have 14 cubicles, including one with an en suite toilet, surrounding a larger resuscitation room with a sitting room for relatives close by.

It will also have a comfortable waiting area for patients and two additional consulting rooms.

Staff will benefit from new changing rooms and toilets, and a communal coffee and conference room where they can go to relax during busy shifts, as well as office accommodation.

Sue Donaldson, project nurse for the refurbishment, said: "The long-term gain will be a more efficient service for patients.

"The refurbishment is about ensuring patients continue to receive a high standard of care, but in better surroundings.

"By improving the physical environment and patient flow, we will significantly enhance the experience of patients arriving at the Western General and improve the morale of the staff team.

"By giving us a department which is better suited for 21st century healthcare than the current facilities, the refurbishment will help us to achieve high-quality patient care."

Simon Mackenzie, NHS Lothian associate medical director, added: "The acute receiving unit does an excellent job, treating more than 17,000 patients a year, but has not been significantly upgraded since it was first built in 1970.

"The redesign will provide much-needed extra space for patients and staff, as well as creating a more comfortable and modern environment."

The refurbishment is the latest change planned for the Western General.

A replacement facility for the Royal Victoria Hospital for elderly people is also planned to be constructed on the site.

However, it is not expected to open until 2012 – two years after work is due to be completed on the acute receiving clinic.

• www.nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk