A brand new, cutting edge Audiology Department has opened its doors to patients at St Helier Hospital, following a £850,000 project to completely redesign and rebuild the unit.
The new department, which is based on the first floor of Ferguson House, is stocked full of the latest equipment and powered by world-leading software, equipment and technology. It contains eight clinic rooms, (five of which are fully soundproofed, one is light-proofed for testing patients’ balance and the remaining two are used for hearing therapy and hearing aid appointments).
Head of Audiology Nicola Charlton, said: “We are so incredibly proud of the new unit – it is a wonderful environment that boasts the very latest technology in everything related to the science of hearing and balance conditions. So whether a patient is suffering from hearing loss or needs an appointment because of a balance issue related to the inner ear (such as vertigo), our expert staff can provide the compassionate care you would expect in a fresh and bright environment.
“Every inch of the unit has been designed by the team here, so we can guarantee the service we can now provide is tailor-made for our patients.”
And with a comfortable new waiting room and reception area (complete with flat screen TV for those waiting for an appointment), the new unit is more relaxing and welcoming than ever before. It also comes with a seasonal theme for each of the different clinic rooms, with each door in the department dedicated to a different point in the seasons – from tulips to an autumnal forest scene. Nicola added: “Although the new look is welcoming and bright, it’s functional too. The whole of the unit has been designed to be dementia friendly, and offers reassurance to our patients living with dementia.”
Chief Executive Daniel Elkeles said: “We are absolutely delighted to have opened this fantastic new facility for our patients. It has taken a huge amount of work from our Audiology Team and Estates and Facilities Team, but just one look around the new department and it is evident that the hard work was more than worth it.
“The feedback from our patients and staff working in the department has been incredibly positive so far, and I am pleased to say that there’s more improvements like this on the way. This year, we are investing a record £30 million into our facilities, with a wealth of exciting new developments already underway, including our £12 million improvements to the fabric of the building at St Helier and creating a new Urgent Care Centre at Epsom Hospital – along with much, much more.”
