A SOUTHEND Hospital ward has undergone a major £170,000 refurbishment just months after it was threatened with closure over staffing and funding concerns.

The Stambridge ward, which looks after elderly patients at Southend Hospital, has been given a dramatic makeover to make it warm, welcoming, safer, and more accessible for its patients.

This was made possible following a £170,000 donation from Mid and South Essex Hospitals Charity.

It has been completely refurbished from the ground up with new lighting, a matte wood-effect flooring to reduce the risk of slips and falls, and improved signage making it easier for patients with dementia to find their way around.

This comes just months after it was set to close, and the Mid and South Essex NHS Trust confirmed services would move to the Blenheim ward, amid claims the trust “didn’t have the staff or funding to safely run it”.

Lucy Thomas-Clayton, director of charities and voluntary services at Mid and South Essex Hospitals Charity, said: “These improvements were thanks to a £170,000 donation that someone had kindly left in their will.

“Legacy donations such as these make a huge lasting impact and I am very pleased that we have been able to make such a positive difference to patients and staff.”

Trust bosses had insisted “no staff will lose their jobs” and “no staff will have to move site” when the “unfunded” ward closed.

Helen Cullen, ward manager for Stambridge ward, said: “We are really happy with the refurbishment.

“It is a much nicer working environment for my team and better suits the needs of our patients.”

The ward boasts a new relatives’ room, giving families the option to stay in hospital with their loved one.

There is a dedicated doctor’s office so clinicians can record their observations without having to leave the ward, ensuring they are on-hand at all times.

New artwork on the walls showing nature scenes provides extra comfort for patients.

The result is a ward that is brighter, and more welcoming, providing a better experience for patients and their families during their stay in hospital.

Claire Turner, learning disability, autism and dementia service lead, added: “The ward has had an incredible facelift, and the light and bright environment will support patients’ wellbeing and recovery, with the signage helping to ensure that all of our patients, but particularly those with dementia, feel comfortable while they are in hospital.”