‘From cutting edge technology to calm and spacious surroundings’, a new £8 m Urology Investigation and Treatment Centre at Princess Royal Hospital in Haywards Heath is transforming the care and experience of patients with urology conditions, says University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust.
The Trust says that since the centre opened in October last year, nearly 4,000 patients across Sussex have been seen, tested, and treated for urology conditions – ‘from life-threatening cancers, to benign diseases’, more quickly, and in fewer hospital visits. The centre can accommodate around 50 to 70 patients a day, some of whom attend the ‘one-stop clinic’.
In these, patients are cared for by specialist nurses and consultants who are part of a multidisciplinary team, all in the same location. “This means patients no longer need multiple appointments in different locations, which can sometimes take weeks or months, and are instead assessed, treated, and sent home to recover within a few hours,” said the Trust.
The centre also features a newly refurbished reception and large waiting rooms with scenic views of the hospital’s natural surroundings, making it a calm place for patients waiting to undergo procedures.
Sally Goodman, lead Nurse for Urology, said: “New treatment rooms and equipment have enabled us to undertake new minimally invasive procedures, which avoid general anaesthetic and inpatient stays, enhancing the care for patients.”
Martin Glazebrook, Capital Project manager, added: “It’s a real pleasure to work on projects you know will make such a difference to the patient experience. This transformative new building is not only beneficial for patient care – with facilities including an ultrasound, laser treatment, cystoscopy, and consultancy rooms, but also great for staff – with amenities including separate nurse stations, storage areas, modern, open plan office space, and a seminar training room for medical students.”
The better working environment is also helping to recruit staff, as the team grows to help manage the increased level of clinical activity, new procedures, complex interventions, and different models of working, staff have seen in recent years.
The Urology Investigation and Treatment Centre is part of a national programme by NHS England designed to improve the treatment and care of patients through in-depth review of services, evaluation, and a data-driven evidence base, to support positive and sustainable change.
