This week (26 October 2020) St George's Hospital estates and facilities team have started building works designed to improve the experience of patients visiting the Emergency Department, and staff based there.

The works will take approximately eight weeks to complete, and transform areas of the department to keep staff and patients safe, and reduce the risk of Covid-19 infection.

The project involves creating a new reception and waiting room area, as well as enclosing a number of bays and cubicles that are currently open.

The works are due to be completed by Christmas.

The works are designed to improve the experience of patients but also strengthen infection prevention and control measures within the department.

Once completed, it will be easier for patients to social distance; and the addition of more enclosed cubicles will also reduce spread of the virus.

Tori Cooper, Head of Nursing for the Emergency Department, said:

"This is an exciting project for St George's which will be very beneficial to both patients and staff.

"While the works are ongoing, we would like to reassure you that our Emergency Department remains open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for anyone requiring emergency care.

"When you visit the department, you will notice some obvious changes. For example, all walk-in patients will be directed through a new entrance to our temporary reception desk and waiting room area. Despite these alterations, the care our teams provide hasn't changed, so please don't delay coming to us if you need us. We have a range of measures in place to keep everyone safe, and to help put your mind at ease."

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