Norfolk and Norwich Hospital opens second emergency department in response to Covid-19 outbreak

Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (NNUH) has opened a second emergency department in response to Covid-19 outbreak.

The new department, previously called the Arthur South Day Procedure Unit, will now be used to treat patients with confirmed or suspected coronavirus cases.

This has means that a few changes will be made to the outpatients side of the hospital.

  • Chris Cobb, NNUH Chief Operating Officer, explains why they have opened another emergency department:

Access at the hospital will be restricted to allow better access for ambulances Credit: PA Images

Access to buses or any other public transport will be restricted to allow emergency ambulances to park outside and to bring patients through.

The hospital is being split into 'Yellow' zoned areas for patients with positive and suspected coronavirus symptoms. The 'Green' zoned areas are parts of the hospital were patients without the virus are being treated.

  • Interview with Chris Cobb, NNUH Chief Operating Officer:

The existing Emergency Department area will be for non-Covid-19 related illnesses and injuries.

The hospital says, patients will be directed to the appropriate area for their condition at the Day Procedure Unit entrance.

The drop-off area outside of the East Atrium, Level 1 (Car Park L) will permanently closed to all vehicle access. A pedestrian entrance will be maintained.

NNUH says more changes to the hospital site have already started, such as a 10-bed isolation unit, to support the Trust's management of the virus.

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