New wards development to improve facilities for patients at the Churchill Hospital, Oxford has been completed

The relocation provides a better-connected service for transplant and renal patients in larger, modern wards with more side rooms with en suite bathrooms and quicker access to critical care, theatres, and radiology.

Work on the three-phase project began in January 2020. With the Renal Ward completing its move from the old buildings to the Jane Ashley Centre on Level 2 of the hospital this month (May), all stages are now complete.

Last year, the Transplant Ward moved from the current Wytham Ward into part of the Colorectal (Lower GI) Ward (co-location with Renal), and the Colorectal (Lower GI) Ward moved to the vacated Wytham Ward.

Allie Thornley, Matron and Clinical for Renal Medicine, said: “We are delighted that the new Renal, Transplant, and Colorectal wards have all moved into their new homes.

“I’d like to thank our staff for their patience and understanding during this project, during which they never lost their vision which is a real credit to them all. They also completed the moves with impressive efficiency and professionalism ensuring that patient care was not interrupted. It has all been worth it.

“I’d also like to thank our partner charitable organisations for their generous backing – their support is making such a positive difference to staff, as well as patient care and experience.”

The overall cost of the project was approximately £1 million, with charitable donations from The Oxford Kidney Unit Trust Fund and Six Counties Kidney Patients' Association (SCKPA).

Chris Cunningham, Divisional Director for the Surgery, Women's and Oncology Division at the Trust, said: “We are really proud of these new, modern areas. The total number of beds remain the same, but patients’ rooms are now fitted with state-of-the-art equipment.

“A donation of £40,000 from the Six Counties Kidney Patients' Association has provided four out of 10 new heart monitors that provide clinical staff with enhanced data to monitor their patients’ progress. All the charitable donations have made a huge impact on this project.

“In addition, the co-location of the Renal and Transplant wards facilitates the combining of junior medical workforce across the two units, training opportunities for all staff and is a much better working environment for us all to give more cohesive care across both wards.

“Patients and staff are already seeing the benefits of their fresh, modern, customised new wards, as we continue to provide the best and most compassionate care we can.”