'Too many patients' force a rethink over University Hospital of North Staffordshire entrance
PART of the eye-catching piazza and entrance to North Staffordshire's new superhospital is to be changed because they are being over-run by patients and their relatives.
But officials say the alterations at the University Hospital of North Staffordshire will not compromise their design.
Although the main building opened only in March, with its benches and garden plots, it has already become a target for criticism. Opponents say it is too big to allow disabled parking bays to be close to the front floor.
Golf-style buggies are having to be brought in to transport patients who have mobility problems from their cars to attend medical consultations.
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But the fresh problem has arisen because more patients than planners had forecast are using the centre and crossing the piazza in front of the hospital.
That is partly because a programme to shift outpatients appointments from the hospital to community settings has not fully materialised – leaving tens of thousands of people still having to travel to the Hartshill complex to be seen by specialists.
A report by executives says: "A review of the area outside the main entrance has been undertaken and proposals are being considered to re-configure it to improve flow.
"The activity has greatly exceeded expectations because of much higher activity levels than forecast and the reduced transfer of activity to the community."
Moves are still being drawn up to transfer more appointments from the complex and into clinics set up in community settings, such as the area's network of five cottage hospitals.
Comments
by yamahaman
Sunday, October 14 2012, 6:01PM
“Yet another reinvention of the wheel, ie Cottage Hospitals, it was not that long ago that they were closing them all because it was thought by some, that all services would be better in a central hub. What next ? what about Police Officers living in a house where they live and call it community Policing? Schools that serve the local kids where they can WALK to school. Now that would be a first.”
by Snaggletoooth
Saturday, October 13 2012, 5:50PM
“I imagine our hospital have fewer pesky patients to deal with when the Conservatives have privatised it.”
by rubythursday
Saturday, October 13 2012, 2:19PM
“there are more patiients using the hospital than planners had forecast?
they must be the same planners that designed a new bus station that is used by more buses than they forecast.
surely the council can claim compensation for these very significant errors because someone has failed to correctly research these projects.”
by mommanoesbest
Saturday, October 13 2012, 10:31AM
“Finally, common sense prevails, I can't believe I'm providing a positive comment for a change - I'm so happy about this. A lot of the problems at the hospital could be partially resolved by better signs. How many people know there is a drop off point just the other side of this posh piazza as they call it? Bring it on!”
by snaphappy111
Saturday, October 13 2012, 10:12AM
“This is what happens when you plan something 30 years ago! put it on the shelf for 20 years then use the same plans and call it a modern super hospital!”
by warren-lloyd
Saturday, October 13 2012, 9:41AM
“That's a shame, its very welcomeing , but it is a hospital and not a hotel/spar.”