Work has started on a new and improved environment for Scotter Ward at John Coupland Hospital in Gainsborough.
The ward is run by Lincolnshire Community Health Services NHS Trust and provides care for patients who need time-limited inpatient care or rehabilitation.
Patients are often transferred to Scotter Ward after a stay in an acute hospital, where they are ready to be discharged, but not well enough to return home.
The ward also plays a vital part in preventing patients from having to go to an acute hospital in the first place by offering community-based hospital care.
In addition, some patients are admitted to Scotter Ward because they have been seen in an A&E or an urgent treatment centre and the community setting is better suited for their needs.
As part of the upgrade, Scotter Ward will receive significant upgrades to provide a modern and improved environment for patients and staff.
The building, owned and managed by NHS Property Services, will undergo necessary improvements to enhance the care experience and futureproof the building.
Working with Lindum Group, the £3.5m project will create three new four-bedded bedrooms, four single bedrooms, and one larger palliative care suite.
As most patients admitted to Scotter Ward have mobility issues, the new inpatient accommodation and ensuite shower rooms will be fully accessible and include ceiling hoists.
The £3.5m project will create three four-bed wards, four single bedrooms, and a palliative care suite
The ward will also benefit from an improved day room which can be used for therapy or visiting, a larger medication and treatment room, and improved storage areas.
In addition, the ward team will have access to a larger staff room and separate changing rooms, an improved staff kitchen area, and an additional office so the whole nursing, medical, support and therapy team can work together from one site.
Paul Jones, principal construction manager at NHS Property Services, said: “This significant investment will ensure a safe and modern environment that caters to the needs of those who use the space day to day.
“The project is a great example of collaboration between NHS partners who we look forward to working with in the future.”
Maz Fosh, chief executive at LCHS, added: “I am delighted construction is now underway to revamp the area in the John Coupland Hospital to make way for a new Scotter Ward.
“It really demonstrates our commitment to Gainsborough and providing care closer to home in our local community hospital.
“The new ward will be located on the ground floor, making it much more accessible for patients and visitors.
“As many patients who stay on Scotter Ward are elderly, the new accommodation has been designed and will be decorated in a dementia-friendly way providing the best-quality and up-to-date care environment to those who need it.”