Hospital reassures patients over building work

Ed Rysdale is the clinical lead for the hospitals transformation programme

The man in charge of an ambitious hospitals transformation programme has assured patients that they will still be seen while construction work is underway.

Under the plans, Telford Princess Royal Hospital (PRH) will lose its full A&E department, with the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital (RSH) to become the main emergency centre.

Patients face disruption, as the work means the patient entrance at the RSH has moved, as well as its bus stop.

"If you are late, there will be people to help you," said Ed Rysdale, clinical lead for the programme.

The temporary entrance to the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital

"Our staff in the departments and in the outpatients are going to be understanding that there is a lot of change," he told BBC Radio Shropshire.

"Don't worry, don't panic, you will get to your appointment and you will be seen."

While work is ongoing, patients must drive to the back of the hospital to use the temporary entrance and large public car park.

Those arriving via bus are advised to check before they travel, as the main stop has moved, and some services' drop-offs require patients to walk further to the entrance.

The work currently under way is a four-storey expansion to the former main entrance, and will include a new women and children's ward, acute medical floor, and intensive care ward.

"It’s the biggest investment we’ve had in healthcare in Shropshire, probably ever," said Mr Rysdale.

Volunteers are on hand in the temporary entrance to direct patients to the correct place

He warned patients that the site would also implement a one-way traffic system in the coming months, to separate construction traffic from public traffic.

Volunteers, like Mandy, will be on hand to help them inside the temporary entrance and around the site.

"Patients have been lost and don’t know where they’re going so I’ve escorted them to their various departments," she said.

"They’re stressed, they’ve been upset, so it’s mainly just helping them out."