Works to create the new Chesterfield Eye Centre are well underway. Once the centre is complete in the summer of 2012, a range of ophthalmology services will be amalgamated under one roof.
The £2 million project will bring all of the ophthalmology services – currently spread over two outpatient suites and the Saltergate Health Centre – into one state-of-the-art centre. This has involved the renovation of the existing Chatsworth Suite, along with the creation of an extension to house additional facilities.
Sustainable features include the use of fermacell for the walls, heat recovery systems, LED lighting and natural ventilation where possible.
Main contractor for the project is GF Tomlinson Building Limited and the architect is The Manser Practice.
Guy Barlow, The Manser Practice, said:
“We carefully considered the target audience in order to create a design that was deceptively simple and easy to navigate round. By moving the entrance from the existing location to the south side of the hospital, we have aligned it with the existing entrances. This has enabled single access and a main reception area from which patients can access their designated facilities.
“The central hub is a particularly interesting feature, whilst we are also incorporating artwork throughout the development in order to give each area a distinct character. Another interesting concept is the colour scheme, which is based around natural eye colours.
“Although the project has been challenging, it is progressing well and is on track to be completed in June 2012.”
Once the new Chester Eye Field Centre is complete, the 2,000 weekly patients will benefit from one-stop clinics that will provide a range of tests and investigations on the same day. The project will create clearly defined waiting and recovery areas to improve privacy and dignity, whilst separate children’s areas will provide a safe and friendly clinical environment for the youngest eye patients.
Chief Executive at Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Eric Morton, commented:
“This is an exciting project and one which will have a huge impact on the quality of service we offer. Over the years, to keep up with referrals and demand, there has been rapid expansion in our ophthalmology services.
“However, as a result it means we are currently providing excellent clinical care from at least three different locations. This is not an efficient way to work and is frustrating and confusing for patients and staff.
“The Chesterfield Eye Centre will make an enormous difference to the way we care and treat for patients with eye conditions. And to have everything in one specialist centre will be the icing on the cake.”
Opthalmic Matron, Jane Walker, said:
“We’re all very excited about the prospect of this state-of-the-art facility and we have a lot of work to do to ensure that we are not only ready to move in when it opens in June, but that we can provide the top class service our patients deserve.”
Managing Director of G F Tomlinson Building Limited, added:
“We are delighted to be working again with the Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Trust to deliver the new, state-of-the-art Eye Centre. This brand new facility is being built under a fast track programme to bring together all elements of clinical eye-care under one roof in a welcoming, modern, efficient and high quality environment that has been designed by leading British architects The Manser Practice.”
