Royal Sussex marks milestone in £62m A&E modernisation
The hospital has now officially opened its state-of-the-art Acute Medical Unit
The Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton has celebrated a milestone in its effort to modernise urgent and emergency care.
The hospital has now officially opened its state-of-the-art Acute Medical Unit.
The new unit serves as a dedicated area where patients can be assessed, undergo investigations, and receive treatment without needing admission to an inpatient ward.
Hospital bosses say this facility allows patients to start treatment and recovery soon after arriving and return home safely in a shorter time frame.
Reduction of Pressure on A&E
The new Acute Medical Unit, coupled with the Surgical Assessment Unit that opened in 2024, aims to reduce pressure on the hospital's A&E department.
Originally built in 1970 to cater to 20-30,000 patients annually, the A&E department now serves over 100,000 patients every year.
Additionally, the Acute Medical Unit features a Medical Same Day Emergency Care unit, which extends care access for patients who do not require an overnight stay.
The unit is designed to handle around 500 patients every week, with a team that includes 12 acute medical consultants, 30 other doctors, and over 110 nurses and healthcare assistants, along with therapists, pharmacists, and supporting colleagues.
Renovations in Progress
University Hospitals Sussex chief executive Dr Andy Heeps announced that the opening of the Acute Medical Unit is part of the broader renovations underway, aiming to modernise the main Emergency Department over the next three years.
Dr Heeps described the effort as akin to conducting open-heart surgery on the hospital due to the necessity to maintain the Major Trauma Centre's services despite ongoing construction.
He acknowledged the challenges faced by both staff and patients during the renovation but made a plea for patience and understanding to achieve excellent urgent and emergency care facilities.
Chief Operating Officer Nigel Kee praised the collaborative efforts of all involved in the project, noting the dedication of clinical, project, and support teams despite sustained pressures.
Local Reactions
Chris Ward, MP for Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven, welcomed the new unit, acknowledging the need for a modern and expanded A&E department in Brighton.
Alan Boyd, chief executive of Healthwatch Brighton & Hove, also expressed support for the developments, citing the struggles faced due to previously failing infrastructure.
Karen McDowell, Chief Executive Officer for NHS Sussex, highlighted the £50 million investment into the new Acute Medical Unit, emphasizing the positive impact on patient experiences and outcomes through faster, more efficient services.
Future Developments
The completion of the Acute Medical Unit has allowed space to start developing temporary accommodation for critical care teams within the existing Emergency Department.
Phase 2 of the renovation aims to expand and modernize these areas by 2028, with the final phase focusing on Patient Assessment and Triage and the Urgent Treatment Centre by 2029.
In the near future, emergency care at Royal Sussex County Hospital will benefit from a new rooftop helideck, serving the hospital’s Major Trauma Centre, with test flights scheduled to begin this week.