Unrecognisable Margate A&E open to the public as refurbishment finishes
It's taken three years and millions of pounds
A three year, multi million pound expansion of one of Kent's busiest emergency facilities has finished this week, opening it to the public
On Tuesday, the keys were finally handed over to the clinical teams, who can finally use the brand new treatment areas at Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother Hospital (QEQM) in Margate.
After years of working amongst the building work, nurses couldn't contain their excitement, believing the refurbishments will not only help patients but those who work there too.
Joanna Williams, head of nursing for urgent and emergency care at QEQM, said: "To work in such a nice environment, that allows us to treat our patients better, it really boosts morale.
"You can absolutely feel that amongst the team, now the build is finished, we are really proud of what we have got."
ÂŁ30m has been invested in both emergency departments at the QEQM and the William Harvey Hospital in Ashford, both which are run by East Kent Hospitals NHS trust.
The two new resuscitation bays at the Margate hospital were the last areas to be finished as part of the project.
Downstairs, there is a new rapid assessment and treatment unit, dedicated mental health facilities, new children’s emergency department, new entrance and waiting area, new treatment area for adults and a new relatives’ room.
Nurses have played a key role in the design, ensuring the spaces were set up for staff and patients.
It means much thought has gone into the area, with reasoning behind each decision made.
Nurse Williams said: " We work here, it's our environment, it's our team.
"A lot of us live locally, it's our families would be treated in the hospital, that's why we are so invested in making the department somewhere we would be proud of for our family and the rest of the community to come too."
In the past, the department has been criticised by inspectors who said the design of the buildings did not always keep patients safe.
Therefore, these refurbishments will go a long way in improving the experience of the 6,000 people who visit the Margate A&E department each month.