Stockport NHS Foundation Trust and building contractors Tilbury Douglas have celebrated a construction milestone to enhance emergency and urgent care for patients at Stepping Hill Hospital, with a light switch on of the trust signage.

The event marks the completion of the new Rapid Assessment Unit in the Emergency and Urgent Care Campus. In attendance to mark this milestone, Stockport NHS Foundation Trust Chief Executive Karen James OBE was joined by representatives from the trust Governors, Board members and emergency service leads, and firms Tilbury Douglas, Rider Hunt and Hive.

Phil Shaw, Divisional Director North West at Tilbury Douglas said: “We are delighted to bring the team together and mark the construction progress with the light switch on event that symbolises the teamwork which has driven the development and the shared ambition for the best possible patient care.”

Karen James OBE, Chief Executive of Stockport NHS Foundation Trust said: “It was a delight to help switch on the lights and see the Stockport NHS Foundation Trust name lit up on our new rapid assessment unit. It really looks fantastic, and we are all looking forward to the whole new emergency and urgent care campus opening in the new year to help us provide enhanced care for our patients.”

The scheme comprises a full-scale remodelling of the existing Emergency Department at the Hospital with approximately 2,600sqm of internal refurbishment, along with a remodelling of the existing ambulance drop-off. There will be new assessment, treatment and consultation areas for several key emergency and urgent care services including the children’s emergency department, mental health, and medical same day emergency care.

The project also includes 1,300 sqm of new build development, with 375 sqm of new non-clinical staff accommodation at first floor level.

Once completed, the campus will help to enhance emergency and urgent care for the local population of Stockport, as well as residents in High Peak and Cheshire East, where patients, their families and carers will receive high quality care. The campus will be opening for patients during the new year.