Proud teams are now settling into Walsall’s Acute Medical Unit, housed in a c£40m new Urgent and Emergency Care Centre, after a smooth move today.
Staff transferred the first few patients just before 8am and by lunchtime everyone was safely settled – a few hours ahead of the planned schedule.
Matron Julie Corns said: “It has gone really well and we’re excited to start a new chapter.
“We’d like to thank all the patients who have moved today for their patience and understanding and all of the teams across Walsall Healthcare who have supported us. This includes IT, Health and Wellbeing, Support Services and Porters.”
Rani Virk, Divisional Director of Nursing, Division of Medicine & Long-Term Conditions, said: “So much hard work has gone into this and all of the staff have been amazing and so enthusiastic.
“The unit is bright, airy and a huge improvement on our old home. I have been speaking to relatives today and they are also thrilled that there is so much more space. The move has gone really well thanks to all of the planning that has gone into it beforehand and we had actually transferred all of our patients earlier than we originally planned which is something to be proud of.“
The Emergency Department successfully relocated through the night last Wednesday 1 March and into Thursday 2 March, along with the Urgent Treatment Centre. The Paediatric Assessment Unit is due to transfer on Wednesday 26 April.
The multi-million-pound facility includes an Urgent Treatment Centre, Emergency Department including Resus and Rapid Assessment and Treatment area, and Children’s ED, co-located Paediatric Assessment Unit, Acute Medical Unit and provision for Frailty and Community Integrated Assessment services.
It also includes re-configuration of the current Emergency Department footprint, to incorporate improved Ambulatory Emergency Care and Imaging services.
Various specialist facilities are located throughout, such as an isolation room for infectious patients, bariatric provision and digital X-ray rooms. All areas have been designed specifically to enhance clinical staff efficiency, improve quality of care, improve patient experience, and improve the working environment for staff.