Major refurbishment of the Richard Salt Unit (RSU) entrance area at Good Hope Hospital begins this week (5 October 2020).

The much-needed £845,000 investment for the Hospital entrance, of which £430,000 is a donation from a generous local resident, includes a modern new look inside and out.

Automatic entrance doors will replace the traditional "push and pull" doors to improve access to the building and a new café area will be fitted with a larger, more welcoming seating area.

New, relocated toilets, including a unisex changing places toilet, will be also installed to ensure a comfortable environment for all.

Dave Smith, senior estates manager, said "We feel fortunate to be able to make these significant improvements to the Good Hope site, especially during this challenging time for hospitals and the NHS as a whole due to the pandemic.

"Many aspects of the design and décor of the RSU entrance haven’t changed since the 1960s, so these changes will make a huge difference to the look, feel and use of space in the building for our patients, staff and visitors. The improvements also mean we will have the highest infection prevention and control measures in place."

Throughout the works there will be no access to the RSU building through its main entrance doors, entry and exit will instead be gained through the Hospital’s Rehabilitation Centre entrance located next door.

Ward 7, which is located down the corridor from the RSU entrance, will be unaffected by the works.