This story was first published in digitalhealth.net
Colchester reopens refurbished maternity ward
Colchester General Hospital has reopened its maternity ward following a seven-week refurbishment costing £438,000.
It has been the most significant investment on Lexden Ward since it opened 20 years ago.
The Colchester League of Community Friends provided £11,355.60, the majority of which was spent on 12 reclining chairs so that partners could stay on the ward overnight, as well as two single chairs, a sofa and a coffee table for a communal area that had been created where families can meet and relax.
The main features of the refurbishment include: the creation of a reception and a new base for midwives; installation of new showers, toilets and basins; new flooring; redecoration throughout the ward; new ceilings with environmentally-friendly lighting; new beside cabinets which are fixed to the wall to make cleaning easier; and the creation of a toilet for visitors, as visitors would previously have had to leave the ward if they needed to use the toilet.
Faye Buckfield, one of the ward’s sisters, said: “Improvements had been made on an ad hoc basis over the years but the ward was beginning to look tired and in need of some TLC. For example, even though we've always prided ourselves on our cleanliness, the flooring was starting to look worn and grubby.
“It's been an extensive refurbishment and has created a much more homely environment which is really important when you remember that our women are not patients in the sense that the majority of them are not ill.
“I'm confident that the installation of air-conditioning in the bays and side rooms will be welcomed by women, partners and staff alike because it could get uncomfortably hot in exceptionally warm weather.”
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