First phase of £4.4m hospital upgrade is finished

PHASE one of a £4.4 million scheme to upgrade wards at Grimsby's Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital is complete.

The work – designed to redevelop the oncology, haematology and rheumatology wards – has created a new haematology and oncology unit to replace ward A1 and the former Macmillan Suite.


 



As a result, patients are now benefiting from seven single rooms with en-suite facilities – all built to aid privacy and dignity for patients, one two-bedded room with en-suite facilities, and a four-bedded bay.

The bay does not have en-suite facilities but there will be shower rooms opposite for the use of patients occupying these rooms. The oncology and haematology daycase suite provides an area of 16 chairs, five beds and one cubicle with en-suite facilities.

There will be adequate space between chairs, with the nurse station and clinical preparation area located centrally, to allow good visibility of patients.

Delighted: The first inpatient to go into the new unit, Enid Cragg, with ward manager Debbie Tansley and staff nurse Laura Bramble. Submitted picture

 
The new facilities are built on the site of the old D2 and D1 Hazel wards – used by mental health patients before it moved from the site three years ago.

Delighted with her new room, Enid Cragg, of Immingham, was the first inpatient on the ward.

She said: "I have a beautiful room with much nicer surroundings.

"As much as the patients needed a new facility, the staff deserved all this as well.

"It is a lot nicer for us all."

'Very impressive': The first outpatient to attend the new unit, Graham Knox, with deputy manager Melanie Bratley and staff nurse Alison Wilson. Submitted picture

Echoing her views is Graham Knox, also of Immingham, who was the first patient to be treated in the new daycase area.

He said: "It is very impressive when you take a look around.

"There is much more space and I believe it is a nicer environment.

"It also helps that the staff on the ward are excellent."

Up-to-date: The reception area in the new unit. Submitted pictures

Phase two of the new build has begun, which will see the refurbishment of the old D1 Hazel inpatient area.

This will create two four-bedded bays with shower rooms opposite and one single bedroom with en-suite facilities.

This development will adjoin the area created in phase one to allow for flexibility within both inpatient areas.

The D1 Hazel daycase area will comprise of seven chairs and one bed.

More space: One of the new rooms.

Debbie Tansley, manager of the haematology, oncology and rheumatology unit, said: "The refurbishment is almost triple the size of the former Macmillan Suite – eventually being able to treat up to 22 patients.

"Facilities include reclining electric chairs and beds designed for those patients needing a little extra support.

"The new daycase facility will promote patient privacy and dignity, whilst also encouraging a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.

"The staff are extremely excited with regards to the new facilities and it will provide patients with a modern and relaxed environment with up-to-date equipment.

"There will also be a garden area provided – a luxury we have not had in the past."

Debbie is overwhelmed by the number of donations the ward has received over the past two years.

She said: "Donations have come from patients we have cared for and fundraising events. I have been blown away by the general generosity of the public.

"It has been fantastic to utilise this money for the benefit of our patients and we thank everyone for their support."

Pride of place: The sculpture located in the courtyard, provided by Mike Edwards.

Mike Edwards, a former patient at the old ward, raised money through his 60th birthday celebrations to purchase a sculpture for the unit.

It now takes pride of place in the courtyard, outside the new daycase area.

Mike said: "Ten years ago I had three or four months of treatment on A1 and on occasion found myself in an isolation room.

"I wanted to give something back to mark the dedication of the staff in that area and to brighten the lives of those now needing treatment.

"Improving the environment can have a hugely beneficial effect on the treatment a patient receives."