Renovation work begins to enhance and expand Emergency Department waiting room

Building work is under way on a large expansion to the Emergency Department (ED) waiting room at University Hospital, Coventry.

The renovation, initiated as a response to feedback from patients, will see the capacity increase from 47 seats to 74, adding to the 40-plus spaces available in the Minor Injuries Unit waiting room.

A new consultation room will also be created where blood tests can be taken and people can speak to clinicians in privacy.

The refurbishment is being carried out in partnership with our facilities management service provider The Coventry and Rugby Hospital Company PLC.

Justine Richards, Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer at University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire (UHCW) NHS Trust, said: “Extending the ED waiting room has been a priority for the Trust and we are delighted to see work begin.

“It’s important that we listen to the community we serve and both patients and visitors told us this was an area they wanted to see improved.

“We are proud to have one of the largest trauma centres in the country at UHCW with more than 270,000 ED visits per year. This development will offer an enhanced environment for each and every person who comes through our doors.”

During the initial phase, most of the work will take place in the background with little impact on patients.

The existing reception desk is being removed and replaced with a smaller one, as well as some alterations to back offices.

During the second stage of the project, patients will need to enter via the Ambulance entrance to be triaged. Signage will be in place to direct visitors.

New flooring, lighting and ceiling will be installed but work will be done behind hoarding to minimise disruption.

Justine added: “We apologise for any inconvenience visitors and patients may experience while the work is carried out, but look forward to having a spacious, modern facility for the long term.”

The investment follows on from a £15milion revamp of treatment areas within the Emergency Department that was completed in November 2023.