Newcastle Hospitals today (16 September) officially opened two newly updated facilities at the Freeman Hospital, aimed at improving experience for both day case and long-term cardiology patients.
The new Cardiology Day Case Unit, located on Ward 27, will significantly increase the number of patients who can receive treatment each day. The unit is designed for procedures that do not require an overnight stay, helping to reduce waiting lists while allowing patients to return home the same day to rest and recover in the comfort of their homes.
In addition, Ward 25b has been refurbished to provide a more welcoming and supportive environment for long-term heart patients, some of whom may spend several months in hospital. Improvements include a comprehensive refurbishment programme, new televisions, increased wardrobe space, and a comfortable communal area—enhancing the overall patient experience.
To mark the opening, singer and local celebrity Joe McElderry was invited to cut the ribbon, joined by staff and current cardiology patients.
Joe said: “It was a privilege to be invited to open the new facilities and to meet some truly inspirational people. Speaking with staff and hearing firsthand experiences from patients currently undergoing treatment was both emotional and heartwarming. The work carried out at Freeman’s cardiology department is world-renowned, and I’m honoured to be part of a moment that helps enhance patient care during what must be a very challenging time in their lives.”
Richard Edwards, interventional cardiologist added: “It is incredibly important to ensure that our patients receive the best possible care, and I’d like to thank everyone who has been involved in creating these newly modernised spaces. They provide an environment that truly supports those in our care.
“Having a dedicated day case unit means patients move more efficiently through their hospital admission. Increasingly, they’re able to return home to the comfort of their own bed after a procedure. We carry out around 6,000 procedures a year – including coronary angioplasty, pacemaker insertions, and heart valve replacements – and around 4,000 of those patients can now go home the same day. That frees up beds for longer-stay patients and allows us to care for more people overall.
“The new unit has also allowed us to enhance our inpatient facilities on Ward 25b, which now includes ensuite cubicles that provide patients with space and privacy during longer stays. That’s another real benefit of this development – and it’s with great pleasure and privilege that we officially open the facilities today.”
This work has been made possible thanks to the generous supporters of Newcastle Hospitals Charity and CHUF.
