Brand new welcome at Dr Grays

VISITORS to Dr Gray’s Hospital will benefit from an improved layout at the main entrance to the hospital from today, as the reception has been relocated..

It can now be found in the space that was occupied by the WRVS shop, prior to its relocation last year. The move offers greater privacy from the through traffic of the hospital and means patients and visitors will not have to queue in the often draughty main concourse.

Amanda Croft, Hospital Manager at Dr Gray’s said "We have listened to the feedback from both patients and staff who asked that the reception be moved to increase comfort for patients waiting to check in for appointments. The opening of the new reception is the first element of a series of improvements for Dr Gray’s over the coming months to improve patient care."

A new Healthpoint is also being created in the main hospital concourse to offer advice and support to patients, families and carers. A new outpatient area for children located between Wards 2 and 3 - due to open next week - will allow children to be seen in closer proximity to the main paediatric ward area. Once this is complete, work will start on the creation of a new discharge lounge adjacent to the main reception and outpatient department.

Project Director, Elaine Brown said the overall project has been split into two phases with this work signalling the end of Phase 1.

She said the main work in Phase 2 will commence in the early autumn, subject to final confirmation of funding, and will see further reconfiguration of the hospital. The works will include Wards 9 and 10 and pharmacy being relocated, the creation of a new rehabilitation ward and improvements to minor surgery facilities along with a whole range of other improvements throughout the hospital.

"In addition, we are taking the opportunity to improve how patients flow through the hospital to ensure they have optimal care," she said. "This is an exciting project that will further improve the infrastructure and excellent services that Dr Gray’s provides to the people of Elgin and beyond."

Work is expected to be complete by Autumn 2012.