Eastbourne hospital opens newly refurbished ward

The Kings Drive facility has opened a newly refurbished 26-bed ward after a complete refit to improve the caring environment, according to the East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust.

The Devonshire ward will initially be a medical ward offering additional capacity but will eventually be used as a decant ward to allow other wards in the hospital to be refurbished and improved as part of an ongoing investment programme.

The refurbished ward consists of five four-bedded bays and six single rooms. The ward has been reconfigured and completely refurbished with an increased number of individual side rooms to improve what the trust describes as privacy and dignity of patients and the ward’s ability to isolate patients.

The trust says the redevelopment work included new ceilings, doors, floors, lighting and improved washing facilities for patients. It took four months to complete.

Vikki Carruth, chief nurse, said, “The new facilities are fantastic and are a big improvement for patients and staff. The ward has a modern look and offers an enhanced environment for patients.

“More side rooms offer greater privacy and dignity and the ability to isolate patients for infection control purposes.”