Boost for Blackpool Vic as parts of £13m mega upgrade of Emergency Department get set to open

Building work at Blackpool Victoria Hospital is continuing in earnest despite the pandemic - with parts of a £13m overhaul of A&E set to open later this month.
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Work got underway at the Whinney Heys Hospital last year - despite being earmarked to begin in 2023 - and includes an extended urgent care department, an X-ray suite, major and minor injuries wards, an ambulance triage area, resuscitation room, and separate waiting areas for children and adults.

The waiting room and minor injuries ward, which were expected to be completed by late last month, will now be unveiled on Monday, January 25.

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Government cash helped fund the massive project, which predates the pandemic and was given the flash title of 'emergency village'.

The hospital's emergency department - deemed too small and outdated to cope with modern day demands - is being given a £13m overhaulThe hospital's emergency department - deemed too small and outdated to cope with modern day demands - is being given a £13m overhaul
The hospital's emergency department - deemed too small and outdated to cope with modern day demands - is being given a £13m overhaul

With more and more patients heading to hospital ever year, new and bigger facilities were needed to ease the pressure on medics, who have in recent winters faced exceptionally high demand.

Emergency department boss Dr Adeline Israel said last year: "Currently our exceptional staff are working under extremely challenging conditions.

"The newly planned A&E will offer a much better environment for the staff to deliver high quality of care with improved outcomes.

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“It is important for the public to understand that these changes are made to prevent crowding which is detrimental to everyone’s safety. The emergency department must be for emergencies only.”

Cabins hosting the urgent care centre currently occupying a nearby car park at Blackpool Victoria HospitalCabins hosting the urgent care centre currently occupying a nearby car park at Blackpool Victoria Hospital
Cabins hosting the urgent care centre currently occupying a nearby car park at Blackpool Victoria Hospital

A number of services were moved as part of the project, some temporarily, like the urgent care centre which is sited in car park-based cabins nearby, and some permanently, such as the high dependency and intensive care units.

Dr Rob Thompson, the emergency village's clinical chief, said: "The new unit will include rehabilitation areas, a space fit for purpose.

"The new patient rooms will also be more appropriate for the critical care environment."

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Health Secretary Matt Hancock announced funding for the project in December 2018 as part of a £963m cash injection for the NHS.

Work has continued despite pressure from the ongoing pandemicWork has continued despite pressure from the ongoing pandemic
Work has continued despite pressure from the ongoing pandemic

Lancashire's mental health trust was given £8.2m to improve facilities and ensure that mental health patients on the Fylde coast are receiving care in the right place to.

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