UHDB's emergency departments receive Government funding boost
UHDB has been granted £4 million to increase capacity in our two A&E departments which will enable colleagues to continue to provide safe care to patients during the busy winter months.
The funding will be split equally between Royal Derby Hospital and Queen’s Hospital Burton, with each site receiving £2 million.
The Department of Health and Social Care today (11 August) announced that trusts across the country are to be allocated funding which will help to prepare for winter, as well as to put in place infection control measures to mitigate against further outbreaks of COVID-19.
Dr Magnus Harrison, Medical Director at UHDB said: “Throughout the pandemic colleagues in our A&E departments have been nothing short of amazing in responding to the evolving demands of the pandemic. They’ve worked hard to make radical changes to keep services running, continue to provide exceptional care for patients and most importantly keep everyone safe.
"This additional funding will help us to make further changes in preparation for a busy winter.
“Please be assured, our hospitals are safe places and our emergency department is open if you need emergency care.”
Plans are afoot at Royal Derby Hospital for an interim expansion of A&E to create additional capacity for patients during the busy winter months.
This will include larger treatment areas and a dedicated area to treat patients with a minor injury such as a broken arm.
At Queen’s Hospital Burton, the money will be used to redesign the emergency department and create additional space for patients to be treated, this includes converting office space into four new clinical bays.
Work will also commence on ensuring ambulances bringing patients to A&E have improved access which will make the patient handover process quicker.
Remember, A&E is for emergencies only, if you’re concerned about an illness or injury please contact NHS 111 (online or by phone) or visit your GP first.