New state-of-the art facilities that will save lives, slash waiting times, and improve patients’ comfort and dignity have been unveiled at Epsom Hospital.
The hospital’s new cath lab – which provides services for the Cardiology Day Unit – replaces the rundown mobile van that preceded it. The facility is open for longer hours, more days a week, allowing more patients to be seen – and in turn reducing the time they wait for life-saving and life-changing procedures like pacemaker insertions.
Elsewhere in the hospital, a new, covered link bridge connecting vital services will allow patients and staff to get around more easily and quickly between departments for diagnostic tests and treatment. It’s part of a bigger project to redevelop the hospital’s Langley Wing, creating better facilities and more rooms and space.
Portering Service Co-ordinator David Ramgoolam and Cleaning Manager Vincent Hazeltine know all too well of the challenges that existed before the bridge was in use, and how much work has gone into getting it and connected facilities ready. Previously, patients – including those who have had a stroke – had to be taken outside by dedicated porters and exposed to the elements when travelling between Langley Wing and the main hospital, while the cleaning team have been working hard to prepare the refurbished rooms.
These efforts are one of the reasons the pair was invited to cut the ribbon at the bridge for the official opening.
David said: “We were delighted to open the link bridge, and know what a difference it will make to staff and patients. It means comfort and dignity for our patients, and it means porters at the hospital will no longer have to take them outside when moving between the two buildings.”
Vincent added: “This is a great project. It is clear how much work has gone into it and it has been great to work with all the teams to bring it to life.”
A lot of effort from Epsom and St Helier’s teams has also gone into the new cath lab – much to the benefit of patients. One of the first to be seen at the new facility was Michael Head, who underwent an angiogram – a type of X-ray used to check blood vessels – and then, more recently, a pacemaker implant.
Mr Head, 77, from Sutton, arrived at the hospital at 7.30am and was ready to go home at 5pm the same day after undergoing the procedure and a number of checks.
He said: “The doctor came round and spoke to everyone individually and fully explained the procedure and showed me a pacemaker. The doctor asked if I had any questions but as he had explained everything really well I didn’t need to ask any.
“I walked with a nurse to the theatre room where pads were put on my chest and a cannula in my left arm. The procedure started and I didn’t feel any pain or discomfort. If I had wanted to I could have watched the procedure on a monitor screen, which I did for a while.
“My experience was nothing but positive, the unit was bright and clean, the staff were friendly, informative, and had time to explain things and answer any questions you may have had.”
Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust will now continue to develop its existing facilities. But it is also pushing to progress plans for a new Specialist Emergency Care Hospital in Sutton.
Managing Director James Blythe said: “Our new cath lab and link bridge are impressive facilities, and really will make a difference to the care patients receive.
“Improvements like these are hugely needed at our hospitals, and our teams have worked really hard to make these a reality. But we also need to progress our once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to build our new Specialist Emergency Care Hospital in Sutton, so we can further improve the quality of services we provide to our local communities.”
The cath lab was officially opened by the Mayor of Epsom and Ewell, Councillor Clive Woodbridge. He and the Mayoress, Mary Woodbridge, were given a tour of the facilities, meeting staff and patients along the way.
The Mayor said: “It was a great pleasure to be invited to officially open the new cath lab, which I know is already making a great impact. This facility will save lives, improve the quality of life for more people, and reduce waiting times for patients. A lot of hard work went into this – so well done to everyone involved!”
