We are delighted that the allocation of £6m to further improve our Emergency Department has now been confirmed. This is great news for the people of East Lancashire and Blackburn with Darwen. Work will begin immediately to expand capacity in both Emergency and Urgent care and ensure we are well prepared for the coming winter.
This is a phased programme of work to provide thirteen additional 'majors' cubicles, the first five of which will be ready for use in December. The Emergency Department at the Royal Blackburn Teaching Hospital is one of the busiest in the North West and meeting the national four hour standard has often proved difficult. This investment will have a significant impact on its ability to improve services for local people and the working environment of the doctors and nurses.
A two-storey extension to the building will allow for a further eight cubicles on the ground floor, with staff facilities on the top storey. We expect this work to be completed by early 2021.
Medical Director, Jawad Husain said “Preparing for the winter months and the additional challenges of COVID-19 is our priority. We want ‘corridor care’ to be a thing of the past and this funding, and the work it facilitates, is central in helping us to achieve this.”
However, as always, we are reliant on people using our services wisely and appropriately and only attending A&E in an emergency. People should first think about the other services that are available through their local pharmacy, GP, minor injury centre or NHS 111. If people do need to come to our hospitals, we can assure them that protective measures are in place regarding COVID-19, and they are as safe as they can be.
Dr Charles Thomson, Consultant in Emergency Medicine said, “We are now seeing a significant rise in the numbers of people attending A&E. When people come here inappropriately, it diverts our attention away from those who need us most and it also makes social distancing difficult. Now, more than ever before, we need our community to help us by going to the right place for the care they need.”
He added “It is also crucial that people continue to stick to the guidance around the virus - wash your hands regularly, wear a face covering or mask whenever required and keep 2 metres away from others not in your household. We all have a responsibility to prevent the spread of COVID and everybody must do their bit. And this year it is really important to get a flu jab if you are invited to do so!”
You can get further information on choosing the right health care by going to our website www.elht.nhs.uk or by calling NHS 111.