Patients thanked for understanding amid ED refurb

Hospital staff have thanked patients for their understanding during an emergency department (ED) redevelopment, as a section opens to treat those fit enough to walk.

The redevelopment at Royal Shrewsbury Hospital is part of a major expansion of the site due to finish in 2028.

Staff said they recognised some patients were experiencing longer waiting times, but the redesigned ED would lessen congestion by separating people who did not require overnight stays from those with more serious conditions.

Director of the hospital's transformation programme Matthew Neal said staff were working on improvements to provide efficient care in the purpose-built space.

A new waiting room is also due to be completed in the summer, with a dedicated emergency care area for children set to open next year.

The full ED redevelopment is scheduled to end in 2027, and is part of a multi-million pound, four-storey expansion.

The hospital's clinical lead for emergency care Subramanian Kumaran thanked colleagues for their "continued professionalism and patience while working alongside construction".

Neal added he was aware refurbing the busy emergency space was causing noise and disruption.

"We recognise some of our patients are experiencing long waiting times within our EDs," he said.

"We are working on a number of improvements alongside this refurbishment to provide more comfortable and more efficient care for everyone who needs our emergency care services."

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