The Emergency Department expansion at University Hospital, Coventry has reached another key milestone with a modernised waiting room and five new cubicles opening in time for Christmas.

Through the works patients will now have access to a new waiting area offering greater accessibility due to the reconfiguration of the space and improved temperature control systems. In addition, communications between staff and patients will be improved through the installation of a new microphone system and service updates and useful information will be shared on new screens. The new cubicles will provide better accessibility for patients receiving care due to them being larger and featuring wider access points.

This exciting development, marking the end of the third phase of works, follows on from the opening of the new Minor Injuries Unit located next to the main entrance at the site which was introduced to help further strengthen patient access to urgent care services.

Ed Hartley, Clinical Director and Consultant of Emergency Medicine, said: “The completion of phase three of the emergency department expansion project is a real milestone for the Trust and it’s a great way for us to round up the first year of activity.

“As part of the enhancements in the treatment rooms there will be a ‘quiet room’ to support patients in mental health crisis and more room for patients with accessibility issues to manoeuvre.

“We would like to say a massive thank you to our patients and staff for supporting the activity over the past year and we’re looking forward to moving on with the rest of the expansion works into the new year.”

The next phase of the works will focus on enhancing the department’s resuscitation area by increasing the number of patient treatment cubicles and developing self-contained cubicles to treat patients with suspected infectious diseases to ensure the safety of our patients, visitors and staff further. The phase is due to complete in May next year and further updates will be shared as the project progresses.