OUH plans expansion of Emergency Department

A better use of space, more diagnostic equipment, and improved privacy for patients as well as improved turnaround times for ambulances are among the benefits of a proposed expansion of the Emergency Department at the John Radcliffe Hospital, which is expected to be completed by spring 2020.

Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has submitted a planning application to build an extension which will allow an extra nine bays for the immediate care of seriously ill patients.

The new space will also include a paediatric resuscitation room and an isolation room with an adjacent CT scanner and control room as well as a nurses' bay and improved bereavement and relatives' rooms.

Dr Larry Fitton, Clinical Lead for the Emergency Department said: "Due to the growing population in our area, an expansion of our Emergency Department is vital to ease the pressure on our services caused by increased numbers of patients and to ensure that high-quality care is delivered to them.

"It is a significant building project with many complex elements, but on its completion, it should benefit the whole community.

"I am also very pleased that the new facility will provide improved bereavement and relatives' rooms which will be better placed to give families more privacy at an incredibly difficult time. A dedicated CT scanner will enable us to get the diagnosis of critically ill patients far more quickly."

As a part of the expansion project, six ambulances spaces will be created and a more efficient drop off point will be set up at the entrance of the new building.

Ross Cornett, Head of Operations (Acting) for Oxfordshire at South Central Ambulance Service, said: "We welcome and fully support the expansion project at the John Radcliffe Emergency Department and thank colleagues at the hospital for involving us in this exciting development.

"The new facilities will speed up the safe handover of our patients to colleagues in the Emergency Department, allowing ambulances to return to active duty considerably quicker so that we can respond to the next patient sooner."

The project, consisting of the building extension and the refurbishment of the current Emergency Department will be carried out in different phases and is hoped to be completed by spring 2020. Subject to planning approval by Oxford City Council, early enabling works will begin in the autumn with the major building work commencing by the end of this year.

The Emergency Department's upgrade is aimed at improving the care for seriously unwell patients. People whose conditions are not serious or life-threatening are advised to choose the right NHS service in order to get the best care quickly and reduce pressure on emergency services, allowing them us to focus help on those who need it most.

More information about how to choose the right NHS service can be found on Oxfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group's website.

Choose the Right Service - www.oxfordshireccg.nhs.uk