Refurbished A&E department opens

Macclesfield District Hospital’s newly-refurbished A&E Department is up and running, as local MP, David Rutley, learned on a recent visit.

David was shown around the A&E Department by East Cheshire NHS Trust Chair, Mrs Lynn McGill, and Chief Executive, Mr John Wilbraham. The department has been reconfigured into two sections: one providing conventional A&E services; and the other a primary care centre providing better access for people with less severe conditions. On arrival, patients are now assessed by an experienced ‘streaming’ nurse who will ensure the patient is directed to the area that will best meet their needs.

This will help speed up the treatment of patients by ensuring that patients needing emergency care see the right staff more quickly. Patients presenting with less urgent conditions will instead be addressed by a GP or primary care nurse there and then or at the patient’s own GP surgery at a later date.

The redevelopment was made possible following the awarding of £879,000 from the Department of Health’s £100 million capital investment fund for A&E. Additional clinical accommodation was also created as part of the work, providing more space for treatment, together with a brighter and more modern environment.

Speaking after his visit, David said, “It was great to see the newly-refurbished A&E Department at Macclesfield Hospital. The improvements will make a real difference to patients who visit the A&E and ensure that they get easier access to the care and support that they need. I was impressed to learn that the work has been completed ahead of the normal timeframe for a project of this nature, so that patients can benefit from the new facilities over the busy winter months. I would like to thank the staff at the Hospital for all their hard work in making this possible, and for all they do to serve our communities at this busy time of year.”