Medway Maritime Hospital opens multi-million pound cardio respiratory ward

Nurse Subin in discussion with patient Gerald on Ruby Ward

A new multi-million pound cardio respiratory ward has opened at Medway Maritime Hospital providing more than 30 new beds and state-of-the-art facilities for patients with serious breathing or heart conditions.

The £5 million project, funded by NHS England, has transformed Ruby Ward from a vacant space previously used by mental health providers, to a purpose-built area with improved infection prevention measures and a greatly enhanced environment for staff, patients and visitors.

The ward includes a seven-bed Respiratory Support Unit (RSU), which provides a higher level of monitoring for the sickest patients.

The opening marks the first phase of a longer term development of a Cardio Respiratory Village, which will encompass a new cardiac catheterisation laboratory and better location of services – a priority under the Trust’s Patient First improvement programme and Clinical Strategy.

One of the first patients to be treated on the ward, Gerald Nibbs, 77, from Strood, praised the new environment, as well as staff for their ‘’brilliant care’’.

Gerry said: “This will be a fantastic addition to the hospital and the wonderful staff who have looked after me so well. I was originally admitted to McCulloch Ward, and then came across to the new unit here. It’s very bright and spacious, I’m sure everyone will be very happy. It’s nice having lots of natural light from the windows – my first impression is that it’s money well spent!

“The staff on the ward are brilliant and go out of their way to help with everything, in particular Subin, the Clinical Charge Nurse. Nothing is too much trouble – they deserve all the praise they get.”

Jayne Black, Medway NHS Foundation Trust Chief Executive, added: “This is a really significant development for our hospital, which is set to benefit the community in Medway and Swale for years to come.

“We hope the new ward will play a role in improving our services, with the availability of more beds helping to treat patients sooner. It will also stand us in a better position to deal with any further pandemic outbreaks.

“I want to give a special mention to our colleagues and contractors involved in this project – thanks to their hard work and dedication over the last four months, we have been able to open the ward in record time.”