Patients and visitors to the endoscopy and neurophysiology departments at St. Peter’s Hospital will notice some welcome changes. Following the completion of a £2 million project to infill a courtyard area on two levels, the endoscopy unit has expanded into new accommodation and the neurophysiology service has relocated from old premises on the ramp.
The endoscopy expansion has enabled the creation of a new nurse’s station, waiting area, preparation room, endoscopy room, recovery area with four beds and discharge room. Providing a second recovery area within the unit enables the team to provide single-sex accommodation for patients after their procedures.
Nurse Unit Manager, Jean Asare, said: “We perform over 12,000 endoscopy procedures every year and that number is growing year-on-year with an increasing demand for diagnostic tests. We’ve needed extra space for a while so having a brand new wing added to our unit is brilliant news for patients and the team. It means we can see more patients, more quickly and provide a better experience for them whilst in our unit.”
The new Neurophysiology consulting room
Over in neurophysiology patients are enjoying much improved facilities – including a brighter reception and waiting area, with separate space for children, and new consulting rooms. Clinical Service Manager for Neurophysiology, Sandra Chinyere, said: “As all of our patients will know, our move from old accommodation on the ‘ramp’ to modern accommodation has been long overdue! Patients often said we were difficult to find, so being within the main hospital outpatients building makes this easier. It’s nice to work in more modern surroundings and to provide a better environment for our patients.”
The top picture shows the new four bedded recovery area within the Endoscopy Unit
