The way patients and visitors get into the main Colchester Hospital building and Emergency Department is changing.
The existing entrance to the main hospital building is closing from Wednesday, 26 June as part of the major redevelopment to transform and improve the front of the building, and while the work is carried out a temporary entrance will be in place.
A change in how buses come on to the site is also set to launch on Tuesday, 9 July.
A new turning circle has been created at the Children’s Outpatients end of the main block as part of the redevelopment work. This will mean all buses will come on to the site via the south entrance, off Turner Road, and will go out again the same way.
They will no longer be able to travel across the front of the building, which will make it safer for patients and visitors arriving at the hospital and reduce congestion in that area.
The new bus stops are slightly further along the pavement from where the former block of bus stops were.
New route options for entering Colchester Hospital.
From Wednesday, 26 June
The main entrance to the hospital building will be closed for around five months while building work continues to improve patient facilities at the front of the hospital.
This will allow for the construction of the new building, and during this period patients and visitors will need to use alternative entrances to the hospital.
A new temporary entrance has been formed, near to the Children’s Outpatients entrance, which will take patients and visitors through the Outpatients department and into main reception.
For those going to the Emergency Department, Gainsborough Wing and Turner Diagnostic Centre buildings, the best route for patients and visitors will be to cross the north entrance road, closer to Turner Road, and use the pedestrian crossings to safely walk past the hoarded area.
There will be clear signage in the car parks and around the construction site which will guide patients and visitors, with volunteers and staff on hand to support with way-finding.
The extension to the building, which is being funded by working with commercial partner Noviniti at no cost to the taxpayer, will be in two blocks. The first is single-storey and provides additional space for the Emergency Department, which will also include an Urgent Treatment Centre from October.
The second is a larger, two-storey block which forms the new entrance. This will provide non-clinical hospital space on the first floor, with new visitor facilities and convenience/retail outlets on the ground floor. These include M&S Food to go, WH Smith, Costa Coffee and Stock Shop clothing store.
Nick Hulme, Chief Executive of East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust (ESNEFT), which runs Colchester Hospital, said: “We thank everyone for their patience while we work to make these major improvements to Colchester Hospital.
“Our medical teams are working closely with the estates and facilities team to make sure there is minimal disruption while the next phases of construction are carried out.
“We understand it may cause some inconvenience now, but ultimately we are working hard to create a more welcoming and modern front entrance and reception.
“These areas frequently give our patients a first impression of the hospital, and it can shape their whole experience of coming to hospital at what, for many, is already a stressful and tough time.
“We don’t want to add to that, so by increasing the space and improving the facilities in this area we aim to provide a more calming and comfortable environment for our patients, visitors and staff.”
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