SOUTHEND Hospital have received funding of £8 million to be used to “expand and modernise” the emergency department.

Mid and South Essex Trust confirmed the funding has now been received and works will start immediately.

The funding will see the emergency department redesigned to meet the needs of residents now and in the future.

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As work is getting underway immediately, the Trust hope some key areas will open in time for next winter, with Southend West MP, Anna Firth, saying all works should be completed by March 2024.

Hannah Coffey, acting chief executive, said: “We are pleased to share with you that the Trust has received £8 million to expand and modernise the emergency department at Southend Hospital.

“The funding from the Department of Health and Social Care will see the department redesigned to meet the needs of residents now and in the future.

“An enormous amount of work has taken place at Southend Hospital in recent months to reduce waiting times and provide patients with the urgent and emergency care that they need.

“An ambulance handover unit has been opened at the new hospital, seven additional cubicles created in the majors unit and new ways of working introduced which have significantly improved ambulance handover times and waits for initial assessment.

“Work is starting immediately to design the expanded unit so we can have some key areas open in time for next winter.

“The scheme will ensure there is enough space in the majors treatment areas, waiting room and resuscitation areas; this will improve the flow of patients through the hospital to reduce delays and allow ambulances to handover as quickly as possible.

“We look forward to keeping you updated on the progress as we go through the project.”

Anna Firth, MP for Southend West, has been pushing for this “promised” funding to be handover to Southend Hospital over the past few months.

She has shared her delighted at it finally being received.

Ms Firth said: “A promise made is a promise delivered in my book.

“Truly delighted to announce the £8 million from the Department of Health and Social Care is arriving for the modernisation and expansion of Southend Hospital A&E.

“It allows Southend Hospital to re-model its emergency department, providing a bigger and better unit that works for our community.

“I have been clear since the start - despite the amazing efforts of hardworking staff at Southend University Hospital and the East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust, we needed a revamped A&E capable of handling the ageing and increasing population of Southend.”