Whitby Hospital renovation on target to be finished next year
The internal demolition of ceilings and floors, the removal of roofs and the installation of new drainage is in progress, with scaffolding and external work taking place at the back of the complex.
All community hospital staff are now based in the main front part of the hospital until the £13 million build is complete next year, and all services continue to be delivered either face to face or virtually.
Work was disrupted by the coronavirus outbreak earlier this year.
Sonia Rafferty, Service Manager at Whitby Hospital, said: “We have been through some very challenging times due to COVID-19, but the team have been amazing. We would just like to thank all of the community for their support during the last few months, the acts of kindness and support have been fantastic and they’ve kept us all going.”
Whitby Hospital covers a large area over numerous levels, with different medical services spread throughout the building. The new scheme sets out to consolidate the clinical service and the support services within the refurbished Tower Block, which is due to be completed in summer 2021, with the remainder of the construction to be finished by the end of next year.
Refurbishment
Patients and staff were moved to the Frankland ward in June. The refurbishment of the Frankland ward, although temporary, has been done to a high specification and includes a treatment room that offers a view of Whitby and the abbey, ideal for returning blood transfusion day patients who will receive treatment in a safe, relaxing environment.
Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust will continue to be the lead provider of services from the remodelled hospital.
Michele Moran, Chief Executive at the trust, said: “We are thrilled to see the progression of the refurbishment go ahead as planned and we are looking forward to the next stages of development. It’s great to hear from our staff that they’ve experienced a seamless transition and we look forward to continuing our high standards of care in a modern, fit-for-purpose building that will meet the needs of the local community.”
The refurbishment also includes an extra care facility to complement the hospital’s existing services, an ambulance bay with facilities for drop-offs and a new car parking area.
The Minor Injuries Unit (MIU) has remained open between the hours of 8am and 6.30pm every day of the week throughout lockdown, and is seeing an increasing number of patients due to the ease of lockdown and the return of tourists to the area. Locals are reminded to take precautions when leaving their homes but also that hospital services are there for them when they need it, and should not be avoided if they’re experiencing health problems.
