Swindon hospital's A&E department revamp begins

A £1.4m revamp of the accident and emergency department at Swindon's Great Western Hospital has begun.

The department will be redesigned to make it a more "pleasant, modern and comfortable environment" for patients, and a new dedicated children's unit is to be created.

All clinical staff will then operate from a new central area, which it is hoped will increase efficiency.

The first phase of the revamp is expected to be complete by October.

The work is being carried out in stages to prevent disruption to patients and staff.

Emergency department consultant Rana Nag, said: "Best practice from other hospitals and feedback from staff and patients have all been considered in the new design.

"As well as creating a much nicer environment for patients, the new layout will help us to work more efficiently, helping to improve the quality of care and reduce waiting times."

Other improvements include a refurbishment of the adults' waiting area with new seating, a TV screen and refreshments.

New entrance doors in the department will prevent draughts, which the hospital said is a problem with the existing design.