The new hospital building
has significantly improved our ability to diagnose
and treat various forms of Cancer. This includes a
brand-new purpose built Breast Unit which, for the
first time, combines outpatient and diagnostic facilities,
together with new one stop clinics' which radically
minimise the delay and anxiety of patients whilst
awaiting results. Our work in this area will mean
the RUH's multidisciplinary team can offer the highest
standard of treatment for cancer in our community.
The new Cardiac
Village ' brings together wards which, for many years,
have been spread across the RUH site, thus removing
the need to move patients and equipment from building
to building and in all weathers! Our Capacity to
perform coronary angiography, exercise testing and
echocardiography has been greatly expanded with the
provision of the new facilities . We
will also be able to continue our pioneering work
in cardiac rehabilitation within the community.
The RUH has the highest
ambulance attendance figures in the UK and is experiencing
rises year on year. The Accident and Emergency Department
expansion has streamlined arrival procedures to aid
treatment, and includes a High-Care Resuscitation
area, a separate paediatric area and radically improved
staff facilities. The development, much of which was
designed in consultation with staff members, incorporates
an observation ward the only one to be sited within
an A&E department in the South West, and ensures
continued development with external agencies (such
as Age Concern) for the best post-A&E care for
elderly patients.
The Intensive Therapy
Unit ( ITU ) at the RUH has also undergone expansion
increasing the number of beds available from seven
to eleven. The department now offers seven intensive
therapy beds for patients with multiple organ failure
who need one to one nursing, and four high dependency
beds with one nurse caring for a maximum of two patients.
As well as a newly refurbished reception, the department
now provides extensive facilities for relatives including
an extended waiting room, two sleeping rooms and a
quiet room.
The new Children's
Centre has brought together wards traditionally separated
across the 53 acre site. The new Centre has eliminated
many problems and will mean that, for the first time,
all children's facilities are in one centralised unit.
Radically improved access to the main hospital building
has ensured the needs of patients, their families
and staff are adequately met. The new unit also provides
specially commissioned rehabilitation spaces, special
needs therapy rooms, high dependency areas and family
focused facilities (family apartments, bedrooms and
pull down beds). The Forever Friends Appeal is also
raising funds to meet the equipment needs of the Neonatal
Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
