The first patients inside Ipswich Hospital's new multi-million pound children's department have praised the upgrade and 'colourful' setting.
The department is being completed in three phases, with the aim to be fully finished by summer 2024.
The extensive project has seen 14 clinic rooms, a phlebotomy room, medical day case unit, accessible toilet, themed reception, waiting area and parents’ room created by East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust (ESNEFT), which runs the hospital.
First through the doors on Monday morning was Dan Adams, Emma Law with their seven-month-old daughter Octavia Law-Adams, from Hadleigh.
Ms Law said: “The department is nice, bright and colourful with lots of things for the children to look at.”
Steph Hawley, who along with her seven-year-old daughter Ella helped shaped the plans for the new look department.
Ella has been receiving treatment from the hospital for epilepsy and other complications since she was a baby.
Her mum said: “It’s a really lovely, bright space which is very child-friendly and inviting.
"We are especially pleased that an accessible toilet and changing area has been added as it will make a real difference to families like ours and was one of our main suggestions when we were asked what we’d like to see in the new department.”
The second phase of the project is expected to begin early next year.
The third phase will create a new ward entrance, further inpatient rooms, a school room and children's assessment unit.
Dr Lauren Filby, clinical lead for paediatrics at Ipswich Hospital, is delighted the first part of the project is completed.
She said: "The work has completely transformed what was a dated area into a bright and welcoming space which really will enhance the experience young patients and their families and carers have when they come to hospital.
“We are thrilled with the new-look area and are really looking forward to watching the next phases of this exciting redevelopment take shape over the coming months.”
The work is being paid for with a combination of NHS investment from ESNEFT and funds raised through Colchester & Ipswich Hospitals Charity’s Children’s Appeal.
Mandy Jordan, associate director of Colchester & Ipswich Hospitals Charity, said: “We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported our appeal so far.
“The first phase of this project shows the huge difference their generosity has already made to young patients and their families. We are now asking for their continued support to help us provide those all-important additional extras to complete the transformation, including the indoor and outdoor play spaces and sensory equipment.”
The Heath Road site is also in the process of creating a new emergency department, urgent treatment centre and surgical hub and a new breast care centre.
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