Construction of new £12.5m Unit at the QEH has started

A massive crane dominates the skyline at the QEH as work begins.

The first modules for the state-of-the-art Endoscopy Unit were placed on the ground yesterday in the project that will see all the modules in place within a week with lifting taking place between 6am and 10pm each day.

A spokesperson for the QEH said: "Fifty six modules will be craned into position next to the existing Day Surgery Unit from 7th to 13th February. The modular design helps to minimise the impact of construction on the site, such as noise, dust, and light pollution."

Modules arrive by lorry

The hospital say that the team is doing everything possible to minimise any inconvenience, however some traffic delays on the main entrance road to the hospital are likely during peak times.

Access for patients and visitors arriving by car will not change, but they may experience a short delay accessing the patient car park. There will a temporary bus stop near the Roxborough Children’s Centre and main patient car park, with signage in place.

Preparing to lift the module off the lorry

The Endoscopy Unit is one of a number of projects being undertaken as part of modernising the hospital and will help to deliver the Trust’s ambition of becoming the best rural District Hospital for patient and staff experience.

When planning permission was granted last December, Dr Shailesh Karanth, Gastroenterologist Consultant at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital King’s Lynn NHS Foundation Trust said: “This is an exciting development for our team. The new unit will modernise our facilities for patients, their families and staff and will enable all endoscopies to take place in one unit.”

It is anticipated that the new unit will open this spring.

3D Endoscopy Unit view (artist's impression)

All photos by Ian Burt