Medway’s new emergency department has been officially opened - but not without a spot of drama.

Staff gathered outside Medway Maritime Hospital in Windmill Road, Gillingham, for a celebration to mark the opening of its new A&E on Tuesday.

The unit opened to patients earlier this month after a simulation day, which saw doctors testing the department with mock situations.

Tuesday’s ribbon cutting was a celebration of staff rather than of the high-tech facilities.

Chairman of Medway Foundation Trust Stephen Clark introduced the new department and chief executive Lesley Dwyer thanked the doctors and nurses for their continuous hard work.

But the opening ceremony was interrupted twice by flashing blue lights and ambulance crews taking patients into the unit.

One female patient on a stretcher managed to shout “hello” at the onlooking crowd as she was wheeled inside.

In one of her last jobs as chief executive before she returns to Australia, Ms Dwyer then cut the ribbon, welcomed everyone and gave councillors, including the Mayor and Mayoress of Medway, Cllr Steve Iles and his wife Cllr Josie Iles, a tour of the new building.

She also introduced everyone to James Devine who will be taking over as the hospital’s interim chief executive.

After the tour of the unit, Cllr Clive Johnson (Lab), whose ward takes in the hospital, said: “I was really pleased to be here today, it is a really important benefit for the people of Medway.
“I spoke to members of medical staff who said it was going to improve the turnaround of people who come to the emergency department so much.

“Already it has improved the ambulance turnaround times, people are really going to benefit from this.

“The tour was really interesting. It was interesting to hear about the involvement of the staff, the design and the process that’s going to be part of a new service and I think the investment that has gone into this hospital is really going to pay off for us.”

The official opening, after a four month delay, marks a new chapter for the hospital and a step towards improved care.

Instead of taking patients straight to the waiting room or trauma centre they will be assessed on arrival.

Then those who need urgent care can be seen to immediately and those who have minor injuries can be redirected.

The hospital received £21 million investment from the Department of Health and it is hoped this will continue to improve the emergency department and boost the numbers of clinical staff.