Day one as Newton Abbot’s new community hospital opens to patients
Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Devon’s most modern state of the art health facility, the new £25m Newton Abbot Community Hospital, opened its doors to the first patients on 12 January. It replaces the 110-year old Victorian and Edwardian hospital in the town.

One of the first patients to be seen in the physiotherapy clinic was electrician Colin Curley of Clifford Avenue, Kingsteighton. Colin had dislocated his left shoulder and was given a series of exercises to help ease the pain from his injury.

Colin said:” I came in early and I am keen to get back to work. These exercises are helping me. I think the new hospital is excellent.” He was treated in the clinic by physiotherapist Liz Tough.

Liz Stirling, the hospital’s modern matron said:” Our first day was extremely busy. We transferred 14 patients from the old hospital in East Street and admitted eight from Torbay Hospital and settled them into their new wards.

“We also welcomed staff to the new hospital. Some had made visits before and other came to familiarise themselves with the layout and services.

“It was a busy day. I am grateful to everyone for making a big effort and helping us to make the move go smoothly.”

Matron Liz Stirling presented a bouquet of flowers to Christine Conway, one of the first outpatients treated. Christine of Summerlands Court, Liverton, Newton Abbot said:” The whole experience of the new hospital was very pleasant. I like the atmosphere. The building is light and modern. The staff make you feel at ease. You could not fault the service you received at the old hospital in East Street, but I like the new hospital.”

The new hospital boasts the first maternity facilities in Newton Abbot for a generation, including a birthing pool. Rachael Glasson, the maternity matron, said: “Community midwives book the mums-to- be into the facility having discussed the options.”

The new paediatric therapy unit brings services together in one place and means children no longer need to travel outside Newton Abbot for treatment.

Dr Kevin Snee, Devon PCT chief executive visited the hospital on the first morning He said:” We have reason to be proud of the new hospital. It is environmentally friendly, designed to be easy to use for staff and patients and offers excellent facilities. We look forward to its great success in offering first class care and services to local people.”

The hospital has an improved rehabilitation unit including a new gym and five treatment units, a minor illness and injury centre, outpatient consulting rooms, stroke rehabilitation unit to help patients preparing to return home, medical beds and rehabilitation beds, mobile diagnostic unit, for example MRI/breast screening, outpatient clinics run by doctors and nurses. There is a café; children’s play area and quiet respite room for patients and families.

T-shaped wards mean that every person has a window view over woodland or gardens. More than half of all rooms are single and all have en-suite bathrooms. Infection control experts helped design the hospital. Natural light throughout is provided by light tubes and large windows.

An ‘excellent’ rating for environmental sustainability was awarded when the new hospital scored 73.70 out of a possible 100 when assessed against national targets.

Liz Stirling said: “We are delighted to treat patients in this modern building. It is a great asset for patients, the local population and staff. It enables us to provide health and social care closer to people’s homes.”

Some images from day one at the new Newton Abbot Hospital...........................

Dr Kevin Snee, chief executive Devon PCT with Liz Stirling, modern matron and Dawn Collier, assistant director South Devon.

Receptionists Sue Edwards and Lesley Bennett.

Outpatient Brigitte West of Bishop Avenue, Kingsteignton with receptionist Sylvia Wightman.

Electrician Colin Curley of Clifford Avenue, Kingsteignton with physiotherapist Liz Tough. Colin was one of the first outpatients through the doors on the opening day of the new Newton Abbot Community Hospital on 12 January 2009. Colin is recovering from a dislocated left shoulder and receives physiotherapy at the clinic.

 

 

Matron Liz Stirling with Christine Conway, one of the first outpatients treated on the opening day of the Newton Abbot Community Hospital. Liz presented Christine of Summerlands Court, Liverton, Newton Abbot with a bouquet to welcome her to the new hospital.

Christine said:” The whole experience of the new hospital was very pleasant. I like the atmosphere. The building is light and modern. The staff make you feel at ease. You could not fault the service you received at the old hospital in East Street, but I like the new hospital. The flowers are lovely.”

 

 

Matron Liz Stirling presents a bouquet to Brigitte West of Bishop Avenue, Kingsteignton, one of the first outpatients at the new Newton Abbot community hospital on the first day of opening. Brigitte said:” Giving me flowers was a lovely gesture.”

 

 

Matron Liz Stirling interviewed by reporter Christine Megson from ITV West Country News on the first day of the new Newton Abbot Community Hospital.

 

 

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