Integrated Front Door construction well underway

The construction of the brand new Emergency Department, including a new Children’s Emergency Unit, which will form part of our Integrated Front Door, is happening at pace, and we are starting to arrange visits to the site for key stakeholders to see how the build is progressing.

The site now has clear interior structures, with the resuscitation area, ED majors, the ambulance bay and the waiting area clearly defined. Windows are being fitted and internal walls are being installed.

To show you how the build is progressing, Kevin Clark, Operational Manager for the Integrated Front Door, and Natalie Lawrence, Nurse Lead for the Integrated Front Door, have shared an overview of the development in a short video, with highlights of each of the different clinical areas and where improvements are being made compared with the existing department.  

The video also includes clips from the architects’ 3D ‘fly-through’ of what the final Emergency Department, will look like when it’s completed.

The main construction started in spring 2022, following confirmation of Government funding of £26.3million which was added to £5.5million of internal funds that the organisation already had available.

The urgent and emergency care expansion will be the biggest ever investment to the hospital site and follows the opening of the new Urgent Treatment Centre and Radiotherapy Centre last year, which already represent a huge investment in Swindon’s healthcare infrastructure.

It will support new ways of working, which will help right-size the organisation for the growing population of Swindon and Wiltshire; enabling better flow and improved patient experience, whilst also ensuring staff are better equipped to manage the increased demand.

There will be opportunity for some staff to visit the construction site through guided tours, and more information will be shared in due course about booking onto a site visit.

Way Forward Programme Appeal

Brighter Futures, our Trust charity, are running a £1.6million fundraising appeal, so that we can purchase the extra special touches that will make the experience of the new Emergency Department even better for patients and their families.

This includes items like a diagnostic mobile x-ray, a paediatric ventilator, another sky ceiling for the Children’s Emergency Department, relatives rooms, resus room divider mobile storage walls and sensory items.

All of these fundraising projects aim to create welcoming and calm environments which meet the needs of all our patients, reducing anxiety and supporting patient dignity. 

For more information about the Way Forward Appeal, please visit https://www.brighterfuturesgwh.nhs.uk/new-way-forward-appeal/fundraising-appeal/.

For any questions about the urgent and emergency care development, please email gwh.wayforward@nhs.net.