New A & E Department gets go-head.

The planned expansion of the RSCH Accident & Emergency Department has been approved by the city’s Planning Committee.

The current department has insufficient patient capacity and failed to meet performance standards for a number of years. The new plan will provide space for 70 short-stay assessment beds over two floors, and for complete refurbishment of the A&E department. The proposal aims to provide a much-needed fit-for-purpose facility, reduce pressure on scarce beds in the main hospital, and improve clinical care.

The new 70 bed Short Stay Unit will care for both surgical and medical patients who need to be admitted to hospital for 48 hours or less.

The new unit  will be housed  in an extension of the existing A&E Building on Bristol Gate. It will be located above the department’s ambulance and car drop off and will stand on columns to allow access for vehicles and pedestrians to the front door of A&E.