People accessing services at Clacton Hospital will soon benefit from a £25m project to improve, extend and modernise the building.
Work is progressing well on the major revamp. The old Urgent Treatment Centre has been demolished and the foundations are being dug for its replacement, which will span two storeys and be easier for people to access.
Once complete, the UTC will offer patients a modern and more spacious environment where they can get urgent treatment for minor illnesses and injuries such as a fractures, burns and trauma wounds. The new facility will complement the improvement work which has already taken place on site, which includes the creation of the new CDC, which has brought essential diagnostic services such as CT scans, blood testing and lung function tests closer to home.
The new centre is being built using modern methods of construction which means it will be completed faster, safer, greener and more cost effectively. This will see 51 structural steel modules made in a factory before they are craned onto the site during May. The UTC will also connect to the refurbished Kate Grant and Jubilee building.
An external corridor which will provide a direct link from the UTC to the Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) is also taking shape, while work on the new maternity birthing suite is nearing completion and due to open in late April.
The project is being led by East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust (ESNEFT). MTX Contracts Ltd is the main contractor while Austin Heating Services is also working on the improvements. It has been funded by ESNEFT, NHS England, NHS Property Services, Tendring District Council and NHS Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care Board (ICB).
Naomi Palmer, project manager, said: “We are making great progress on this extensive project, which will create a state-of-the-art environment in which patients can access high quality care.
“The next phase will see the modules for the new UTC craned onto the site, after which we will start to see the building really begin to take shape. It will then be fitted out ready to open to patients in winter 2025/26.
“Although there will be some noise and disruption while we complete these amazing new facilities, we are doing everything we can to keep this to a minimum. We’d like to thank our patients and people living near the site in advance for their patience while we continue to develop their new-look hospital.”
Laura Taylor-Green, the ICB’s North East Essex Alliance director, said: “Clacton Hospital is such an important part of the Tendring community, and we are pleased to support its further expansion and upgrading.
“Since the last century the hospital has been caring for local people, and this investment will give it a big boost and ensure it long continues to help keep people healthy.
“I want to extend my thanks to patients for their forbearance during the time of construction and to staff for their continued hard work and dedication.”
Issued on behalf of East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust
