New emergency department paediatric waiting room opened in Gorleston
It's part of improvements to the James Paget University Hospital
Last updated 20th Feb 2021
A new waiting area for children and young people has opened at the James Paget University Hospital in Gorleston as part of a significant programme of improvements to the hospital’s Emergency Department (ED).
The new waiting area has been developed as part of the first phase of the programme, which has already seen the opening of an expanded assessment and treatment facility, with 14 ‘majors’ cubicles, in an extension at the front of the hospital.
This was completed on schedule, with the first patients using the new facility at the end of last year.
Completing the new waiting area means that our children and young people now have their own designated space to wait for treatment, replacing a small area which was no longer fit-for-purpose.
£2.2 million from the Department of Health and Social Care as helped finance the programme of improvements, following a successful bid by JPUH for central funds.
JPUH Chief Operating Officer Joanne Segasby said:
"The first phase of our project to expand our Emergency Department has been completed on schedule and is providing us with improved facilities and additional space at an extremely busy time for the hospital.
"But the work doesn’t stop here - we are about to embark on the second phase of the project which includes a full refurbishment of the existing adult waiting room, the reception area and constructing a new main entrance to the department.
"We will continue our efforts to minimise any disruption to visitors while construction work continues at the front of the hospital but would apologise for any inconvenience caused."
While the new children’s waiting area is open for patients, it will be further enhanced in the coming months, thanks to the James Paget Hospital Charity.
It is a year since the charity launched its Raise a Rainbow appeal, which is raising funds for projects including the creation of a children's play environment, as visiting an emergency department can be daunting for our youngest patients.
The appeal is already more than halfway towards its £20,000 target.
Charity Chair of Trustees Anna Davidson said:
"The aim of the charity is to provide funding for projects which would not be covered by NHS funding - so enhancing the new children’s waiting area to provide a comforting environment fits perfectly with this remit.
"I would like to thank everyone who has made a donation to the charity over the last year, and shown their support for their local hospital during the most challenging of times - and hope that the local community will continue to support our Raise a Rainbow appeal so that together we can reach our target and further enhance the James Paget for all its patients."