'Decision to double the size of A&E couldn't have come at a better time'

The work, due to be finished by the summer, also includes new spaces to help children with urgent mental health issues.

Bosses say work couldn't have started at a better time as they need extra space because of the pandemic - which has made life trickier over the past year.

Since being built in 1973 the number of people attending the department has steadily increased, putting strain on both space and staff.

Last year, the team saw nearly 60,000 people for everything from broken arms to heart attacks.

The development will not only improve the urgent care services but also help reduce pressure throughout the hospital, by reducing the need for some patients to be admitted.

Consultant and Clinical Director of the Emergency Department, Dr Jon Tipping said: “With the number of patients attending the department increasing every year, it was clear we needed to redesign the space.

"This work now underway will not only increase capacity, it will also make the department a better place to receive care and provide care.

"The team have worked exceptionally hard during the pandemic to continue providing safe access to emergency services, so to see the new department take shape is a real boost."

The work, which is due to be completed in the early summer, will double the number of cubicles for assessment and treatment and create a dedicated facility where children with mental health needs can be safely and comfortably cared for.

Outside, the frontage of the department is being completely redesigned to provide separate routes for entering and leaving.

These works are the second stage in a programme of improvement to the hospital’s urgent care services. Phase one, completed in December, saw the creation of a new Ambulatory Emergency Care Unit, reducing the need for patients to be admitted for certain tests and treatment and reducing demand on ED and wards.

The Yeovil Hospital Emergency Deaprtment remains open as normal throughout the work.