West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust (WHHT) welcomed His Royal Highness The Duke of Gloucester to Watford General Hospital on June 23 to officially open the emergency assessment unit (EAU) and to meet staff who have supported the trust’s pandemic response.
WHHT chief executive Christine Allen and chairman Phil Townsend greeted the royal party which included HM Lord-Lieutenant of Hertfordshire, Robert Voss, and Deputy Lieutenant Jane McCue.
The official opening of the expanded emergency assessment unit marks almost 100 days since the unit came into service in March. Since then, over 3,300 patients have attended. The role of the emergency assessment unit is to provide a timely diagnosis for patients which aids the decision on their next stage of care.
Phil Townsend said: “We were delighted to show The Duke of Gloucester how our new unit relieves pressure in the emergency department, improving the flow of patients through Watford General and preventing unnecessary admission. This gives our patients a much better experience of care.”
His Royal Highness was introduced to staff by chief nurse Tracey Carter. The Duke met staff from emergency medicine, critical care, pathology, respiratory, surgical and operational services, who have made a tireless contribution to patient care during the pandemic.
Picture Credit Holly Cant
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