Our Greater Manchester hub site for patients needing emergency general and colorectal care has now been open for a year and in that time has cared for almost 4,000 patients from across the region.
The facility is a £28 million extension to The Royal Oldham Hospital and has boosted capacity for patients who require high risk, general and colorectal care. It features two general surgery wards, designed with the input of patients, service users and colleagues.
Keah Swanick, ward manager said: “I have been working in the new building since it opened and the feedback from both patients and colleagues has been fantastic. One patient said to me that they feel like they are in Barbados.
“From a patient's perspective, the facilities provided pre- and post-surgery are so much better, and we have more space and natural light. We run events for patients to help them with recovery and have even held pottery classes. There is a real sense of family on the wards, and we all work together to ensure patients receive care in an inclusive environment. We recently organised a wedding ceremony for a patient who was on end-of-life care.”
The hub site is spread across two floors, each with a dedicated therapy room. One of the physiotherapists said: “Patients love our rooms as they have an element of privacy away from the busy wards. Recovery from surgery can be a challenge, and the purpose-built therapy rooms allow patients to work on their exercises in a safe surrounding.”
