University Hospitals of North Midlands opens £9.8m Day Case Unit at County Hospital
University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust today officially opened a state-of-the-art £9.8 million Day Case Unit to help tackle waiting list backlogs and offer thousands more patients quicker access to day-case surgery.
The unit, at County Hospital, Stafford is a dedicated space for patients requiring colorectal, upper gastroenterology, orthopaedic or ear nose and throat surgery, freeing more space at main theatres at County Hospital and at Royal Stoke University Hospital.
Leigh Ingham MP for Stafford cut the ribbon at the ceremonial opening, which follows the recent opening of the Staffordshire Treatment Suite and North Midlands Hand Centre, also both based at County Hospital. It is the latest stage of transforming the hospital into an “elective-hub” meaning patients will be seen quicker at the UHNM hospital most appropriate for their needs.
The purpose-built unit has almost doubled capacity from the existing 15 beds on Ward 8 to 28 and has been funded from NHS England’s Targeted Investment Fund.
It has been specially designed to maximise patient efficiency and flow, as well as providing a bright, spacious, and welcoming environment. The reception area also features a vibrant ‘sky inside ceiling’ to improve the experience for patients and staff.
Dr Simon Constable, UHNM Chief Executive, said: “We are extremely pleased to be able to open this fantastic purpose-built unit, enhancing County Hospital’s reputation as a hub for low-complexity elective procedures. By further improving and extending our surgical facilities at County Hospital, we will be able to offer thousands of patients each year with quicker access to day-case surgery, helping to improve their quality of life whilst reducing waiting lists.”
Katy Thorpe, UHNM Chief Operating Officer, said: “It is expected that by transferring more high volume, low complexity elective procedures from Royal Stoke to County Hospital, waiting lists will reduce by reducing cancellations, protecting theatre sessions and future proofing additional surgical care in a centre dedicated to elective care, away from emergency and acute pressures.”
Leigh Ingham MP, said: “I was delighted to open this brilliantly modern, clean and sleek facility which will have such an impact and give so much to the community to ensure they get the best possible experience.”
Patient Scott Clements, 62, from Stoke-on-Trent said: “Everything has been absolutely bang-on, it’s been really good. The unit is new and clean, and the staff have been fantastic, I couldn’t recommend it enough.”