New Macclesfield outpatients department opens

For staff and patients the building work at Macclesfield Hospital must have seemed never-ending but they’ll all be relieved to know that the £900,000 redevelopment project to improve the outpatients department has now been completed.

The scheme has seen a complete redesign and refurbishment, ensuring the department is easier to navigate and providing additional clinical space within a modern environment.

New patient calling-systems have been installed, along with three self-check-in kiosks – designed to reduce queuing, improve communication with patients around waiting times and provide a more efficient patient experience.

In line with national guidance, all infection prevention and control measures – including sanitising, face coverings/face masks and cleaning – are in place.

Four new clinic rooms, a bespoke ophthalmology room, a new children’s playroom and three separate waiting rooms are included in the redesign.

Mark Ogden, East Cheshire NHS Trust’s director of finance, said: “The redesign has made significant improvements to patient flow throughout our outpatients department, and the new kiosks have made the process of checking in easier and more efficient.

“We have also been able to create a dedicated staff wellbeing room to provide our workforce with a bespoke area to enjoy their breaks.

“The reception area has been updated to provide a bright, modern and inviting environment for our patients and staff, which I am sure our local population will welcome.”

The department has continued to run as normal throughout the redevelopment, with no reduction in appointments.