New Cross in line for new triage centre thanks to £1.7m boost
A £1.7 million funding boost will help New Cross Hospital strengthen its Covid-19 safety measures, health bosses have said.
The Wolverhampton hospital was awarded the cash as part of £300m in new funding for health trusts across the country to prepare for the winter rush.
Bosses say the money will go towards improving facilities for patients at the A&E department.
A one-way triage centre will be created in the current main waiting area, aimed at helping patients be seen more quickly, as well as strengthening social distancing already in place in the department.
The funding will also be used to improve patient flow and reduce the risk of infection by being able to isolate patients.
Gwen Nuttall, chief operating officer at Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust, which runs New Cross and Cannock Chase Hospital, said: "As we start to plan for the winter months this investment from the Government will help us make sure staff and patients remain safe.
"The upgrades will improve flow in the department as well as making sure we have strict social distancing and hygiene measures in place to protect our patients and staff.
"The winter months are always challenging and this funding will help us prepare so our patients can access our high quality care when they need it the most."
The trust says all projects will be completed by the start of next year so the hospital can benefit from the upgrades during the peak of winter.
Health Minister Edward Argar said of the funding: "Our NHS did an amazing job to ensure emergency care continued to be available for everyone who needed it during the peak of this pandemic.
"This funding is part of our record investment in NHS infrastructure to ensure our health services continues to meet the needs of the present and to be fit for future demands placed upon it."
