Women's services to move in £576k revamp

THOUSANDS of pounds is being injected into a project that will see the hospital's gynaecology ward relocated.

The children's unit located in the family service building at Grimsby's Diana, Princess Of Wales Hospital is currently being redesigned to accommodate more women's services.

The £576,000 project will see the gynaecology and female breast ward – currently located in the main hospital building – brought together with other women's and children's services on a new ward, with a four and two-bed unit and single en-suite cubicles.

As reported, concerns were raised by the public about the move, but hospital bosses say they must make the best use of resources.

Amanda Jackson, head of children's nursing, said: "We are looking at making better use of our space as we need to ensure the capacity we have closely matches the number of patients we look after.

"The work enables us to incorporate a dedicated adolescent chill-out area on the ward, which we are all very excited about."

A new and improved assisted bathroom is also being installed, which will make it easier for staff to help children use the toilet, wash and bathe.

Consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist Werner Mueller, the clinical director for women's services, said: "It is great news that work has started on this project to bring gynaecology and breast services into the one building with other women's services."

Staff have been involved in the planning process and will continue to be involved in all proposed changes.

Alongside the redesign, a paediatric assessment unit, which opened in December within the accident and emergency department, is ensuring that only children needing inpatient care are admitted.

About a dozen are seen every day in a four-bed assessment area which was previously based on the Rainforest Ward.

Children who come to Grimsby's A&E department with medical problems are now taken to the unit to be assessed by child specialists, who then determine if the patient needs admitting or if they can go home.

Ms Jackson continued: "For those who are admitted, we are seeing a reduction in the length of stay.

"Having a separate unit enables the staff here to give their full attention to assessing a child."

But, parents who have children with colds or flu-like symptoms are asked to stay away from the hospital and to seek advice from pharmacies and their GPs.