The redesign of our Emergency Department (ED) at Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital (RD&E) in Wonford is now approaching its next phase to enable the joining of new and existing areas.

The RD&E’s ED currently sees 104,000 patients each year, an increase of 25% since major changes were last completed. These developments will introduce new facilities and an extended footprint to accommodate the care of our growing population, as well as deliver significant improvements to the department’s performance, safety, and patient experience.

From Monday 19 December 2022, vehicle access will be reinstated from the Princess Elizabeth Orthopaedic Centre (PEOC). This will enable the bus route to be reinstated and access to this area maintained.

Changes include:

• High Acuity Majors (HAM) moves back to previous and permanent area on 19 December.
• Patients self-presenting to ED will continue to use the temporary route from PEOC.
• Patients transferred by SWAST will continue to use the temporary ambulance entrance.
• While cubicle spaces will be re-provided, the environment in which patients are cared for will change (reduced side rooms, reduced line of sight, reduced corridor capacity). We’ve worked with the divisional team to highlight this and, where possible, mitigate the risks.
• Signage has been reviewed throughout the ED for the duration of this phase.
• There will be temporary patient pathways, including patients awaiting a mental health act assessment.