Ward Mock-ups Put to the Test

77 staff from the hospital have been testing the proposed designs for parts of the new hospital to be built on the Edith Cavell site. The two consortia bidding for the project have constructed mock-ups of their proposed four bed bays, day spaces and en-suite WC and showers in the empty Fenland Wing building.

The mock-ups allow staff to assess how well the designs meet the requirements for modern health care, including;

• The level of privacy

• The space around the bed

• Ease of access for specialist equipment such as patient hoists

• Access to en-suite facilities

• Wheelchair access

• Access for emergencies

Assistant Project Clinician, Fiona Lennon who is leading the evaluation exercise said, "This will give staff the opportunity to experience working in two very different ward configurations. Their feedback will help us develop designs that provide benefits for patients and ensure our staff can deliver a first class service."