Hospital bosses have revealed proposals for a new £2million breast unit that will help them continue to treat thousands of patients a year.
Colchester Hospital University NHS Foundation Trust (CHUFT) has submitted the plans to the borough council for the project at the general hospital.
If given the green light the project will extend the ground floor of the Gainsborough Wing, as well as provide a new entrance and waiting area.
An area currently providing therapy gyms will also be redesigned to create general physiotherapy, orthotics, prosthetics and neuro-rehabilitation facilities.
The work is part of ongoing plans to transfer all clinical services from Essex County Hospital in Lexden Road to Colchester General Hospital in Turner Road and its neighbouring Primary Care Centre.
Paul Ruffell, senior associate at construction consultants Ingleton Wood who have drawn up the plans, said: “As a local practice, we are incredibly proud and excited to be undertaking this work on behalf of CHUFT.
“The work would be the first refurbishment to the ground floor of Gainsborough Wing since it opened in 2000 – creating substantial improvements to support patient accessibility and treatment.
“There will be three small extensions in total, together with some minor landscaping to provide extra parking spaces.
“If approved we would hope to make a start on site later this year, with the new unit up and running in the early part of 2018.”
The breast screening service currently sees 15,000 patients a year and breast surgery outpatients treat 12,000 patients a year.
A CHUFT spokesman added: “The project is expected to cost more than £2m and is one of the key enablers to close Essex County Hospital alongside the development of a new diagnostic centre at Colchester General, due to open in February 2018 – and hthe relocation of ophthalmology, audiology and ENT services to the Colchester Primary Care Centre, also due to complete in early 2018.
“All clinical services will continue without interruption throughout the construction phases of the project and patients will be advised of any changes to their appointment details where required.”
Colchester Borough Council is expected to make a decision on the proposals next month.
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