Patients will be able to be cared for in a lighter and more modern environment after a cancer ward at Ipswich Hospital is refurbished.
Somersham Ward’s patients and staff will temporarily move to Waveney Ward on Saturday 15 September until the work is complete in mid-November.
Laura Mallett, matron for cancer services at Ipswich, said:
“There’s a lot happening to brighten and lighten the ward to bring it up to where it needs to be. The floor’s being ripped up and repaired, the ceiling and lighting will be replaced and everywhere will be redecorated. We also have some charitable funds to rip out and replace the showers with wet rooms to improve accessibility for patients and improve patient experience”.
Volunteers from the Somersham Ward Support Group are not only providing some funding for the project, but also voluntary time to pack, unpack and help complete the refurbishment.
The main ward contact numbers will stay the same – 01473 704900 or 01473 704901.
On the day of the move, it is asked that no visitors, apart from family carers, come to the ward until lunchtime. There is no change to afternoon visiting hours.
Waveney Ward is on the sixth floor of the maternity block, in the hospital’s central zone. Please use entrances 6 or 7.
Healthcare assistants Sandie and Shannon help Somersham ward sister Helen (left) with the removal process as they get ready for a temporary move to Waveney ward.