Work on a new Endoscopy and Urology Investigation Unit at Maidstone Hospital has now reached completion.
Receiving praise from patients and doctors alike, the multimillion pound development has centralised all endoscopy and urology services in a larger and more modern facility, giving patients a much better experience. It is also thought that the new facilities will enable more patients to be treated per day.
A total of three procedure rooms, in addition to stage one and stage two recovery areas have been created. The procedure rooms have direct access to endoscopy washing areas, which contain four new endoscopy washing machines at a cost of half a million pounds each.
It is hoped that the new design will enable the department to achieve Joint Advisory Group (JAG) accreditation for Gastroenterology.
Work began on the development just before Christmas and reached completion last month, disturbance to the hospital’s day to day activity was said to be minimal although, Project Officer Mark Jackman did note one slight issue. He said: “There was a live operating theatre directly above on the first floor, so that was a consideration when carrying out the development.
“That said, the development ran smoothly and patients and consultants have been very happy with the end result; the feedback has been very positive.”
Clinical Lead for Endoscopy, for the Trust, Dr Laurence Maiden, said: “This is an exciting time for the Trust. We are very much looking forward to working in the brand new, state-of-the-art Endoscopy Unit and we will now have all Endoscopy services centralised in one department and offer a high-quality, comprehensive service for all our patients.
“The unit has been planned with the patient’s journey, from start to finish, at the forefront of the department’s design.”
As of this month work has started on a new admissions lounge and a new discharge lounge. Due to open in November at a cost of £1 million, the additions will provide greater privacy, dignity and comfort for patients at the start and end of their stay in hospital.
Part of this summer’s work at the hospital also involves using a ward as a temporary admissions lounge, while the permanent facility is being completely upgraded.
The same ward will then be used to accommodate other facilities as and when work is carried out as part of the Trust’s multi-million pound redevelopment and modernisation of all its inpatient wards over six years.
Glenn Douglas, Chief Executive of Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust, added: “Our patients will really benefit from these significant service improvements as part of our long-term commitment to Maidstone Hospital.
“The new Endoscopy and Urology Investigation Units are modern and inviting and will help us continue to provide the best possible service we can to those in our care.”
