Royal Preston Hospital expanded critical care unit to open early

Royal Preston Hospital staff outside the newly enlarged critical care unit Pic: Lancashire Teaching Hospitals

A new critical care unit at Royal Preston Hospital is to open ahead of schedule.

Hospital bosses say donations from the public have meant the work has been fast-tracked.

Costing £19million the expansion of the existing critical care unit will have new bed capacity and a modern, bright, environment.

Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust say although work was planned before the coronavirus outbreak additional funding, from the government and donations by the public, have allowed them to finish work several months ahead of schedule.

The extension includes a new kitchen area and a family room enabling loved ones to stay nearby.

The hospital says as visits are currently subject to strict social distancing measures the rooms are being used as a sanctuary for the critical care unit’s nurses and doctors while they treat Covid-19 patients.

Public donations have helped fund reclining chairs and pull-out beds for visitors to the unit, special exercise equipment for recovering patients, artwork and furniture across the unit.

Chief executive of the Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Karen Partington, said: “I am absolutely delighted and touched that our local businesses and community have raised such an astonishing amount of money for their local NHS in such a short period of time.

“This £82,000 will fund all the additional extras and home comforts within the Critical Care Unit that make such a tangible difference to patients and their families at a very difficult time in their lives, as well as greatly enhancing the working environment for our staff.”

“I would like to thank every single person and company who has shown their support – in particular the Bhailok family for their incredible contribution.”

Paula Wilson, Head of Charities and Fundraising for Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said “It’s well documented that the emotional and psychological benefits of being in attractive, uplifting and comfortable surroundings are significant and no one needs this more than those accessing and working in Critical Care.

“The generosity of our local community means that we will now be able to offer a first class environment from the moment the new unit opens its doors.”