Urgent Treatment Centre
In July 2022, the new Urgent Treatment Centre was opened on the Great Western Hospital site, which marked the first phase of the urgent and emergency care expansion.
Designed with input from patients and staff, the UTC is inclusive and accessible for all; with the Trust’s first ever changing places facility for children and adults with disabilities, block colour pallets for patients with dementia, lowered reception desk access for wheelchair users and a sky ceiling to bring the outside, in.
Emergency Department
The £33.5million urgent and emergency care expansion is the biggest ever investment to the hospital site and follows the opening of the Urgent Treatment Centre and OUH Radiotherapy @ Swindon Centre in 2022, which already represent a huge investment in Swindon’s healthcare infrastructure.
With a 60 per cent bigger footprint, the new Emergency Department, and accompanying Children’s Emergency Unit and improved same day emergency care service, ensure unplanned healthcare provision is fit for the increasing demand and growing population of the town.
Since £26.3million of Government funding was secured in January 2023, in addition to £7.2million from the Trust, construction happened at pace to build the new department in just 18 months.
The new Emergency Department has an increase in ‘majors cubicles’ from 15 to 22 (45 per cent), which are more private with glass doors instead of curtains, and individual environmental controls such as dimmable lighting.
To support patients in a more critical or life-threatening condition, there is an increase in resuscitation cubicles from four to seven – with one new resus bay dedicated to children.
There is also be a secluded room for patients in mental health crisis, a more comfortable observation area and two supportive relatives’ rooms set away from the bustle of the main department.
Children's Emergency Unit
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: making our service accessible
We are committed to creating a safe space for all patients, recognising that some patients, including those with a genetic condition, Autism or a learning disability, might find the hospital environment more distressing – particularly if they have difficulty with processing sensations such as noise or bright lights.
We have introduced a number of initiatives and facilities designed to enhance the experience for those with additional or complex needs, making hospital more accessible and ensuring patients with increased health challenges are never disadvantaged.
These facilities are all designed with input from local communities so that we know that we are meeting the needs of every patient. Over the years, we've worked with those living with dementia, older persons, children and young adults, wheelchair users, local campaign and activist groups, mental health services and scouts and cubs.
- Changing Places Facility: a large changing room and toilet for children and adults, including a hoist and shower
- Little Bags of Calm: small resource bags contain an eye mask, ear plugs and fidget sensory tools, as well as a mindfulness colouring book and crayons
- Sensory room: a safe space in the Children's Emergency Unit with padded walls and seating, visual sensory toys and equipment and calming tones which depict nature
- Wellbeing spaces: quiet, non-clinical rooms for patients presenting in mental health crisis
- Manikin with Down's Syndrome: giving staff the chance to practice their clinical training and learn about specific issues often associated with Trisomy 21
- Sky ceilings: faux windows that show blue sky, trees and sunshine - to brighten the department and reduce clinical anxiety, whilst also being dimmable to adapt to sensory needs
Tell us if you need extra support