Multi-million pound plan set to improve facilities and patient flow at Bedfordshire hospitals

The Bedfordshire Hospitals Foundation Trust has been allocated the amount from the government’s national UEC programme to expand and enhance UEC facilities across Bedford Hospital and the Luton and Dunstable (L&D) University Hospital estates. The funds will also be used to enhance mental health crisis assessment capacity in Luton.

A spokesperson explained a ‘significant proportion’ would be invested to strengthen services and improve patient flow at Bedford Hospital. Enhanced diagnostic and treatment facilities will mean people are seen more quickly, with less patients admitted overnight. The development will also address ‘ambulance handover performance’ and some of the ‘current challenges with an ageing hospital estate’.

They further explained: “The funding aligns with our ambitions across Bedfordshire as we look to transform UEC provision at both Bedford Hospital and the L&D, as well enhance mental health crisis assessment capacity in Luton.

“This national programme is ultimately focused on improving access to urgent care for patients and reducing pressure on emergency departments, improving ambulance handover performance and supporting faster assessment and treatment of patients, with a target of seeing 78 per cent of patients within four hours.

“At Bedford Hospital, the future design of our UEC will be shaped by the people who use and deliver these services. We are looking to work closely with our patients, staff and local residents to co-design more streamlined environments.”

The trust is holding a public engagement event on Monday, November 16 between 2pm and 7pm in the Committee Room to discuss plans and receive any feedback.