07/10/2026
The Western Trust has completed a series of improvement works within the Emergency Department (ED) at Altnagelvin Hospital as part of its ongoing commitment to enhancing patient experience in ED, improving staff facilities and making the best possible use of the existing department while plans for a new Emergency Department progress.
Over the past number of years and particularly during the last 12 months, the Trust has invested approximately £2.5 million in improvement and expansion works across the department aimed at improving patient flow, expanding and upgrading clinical accommodation, enhancing infection prevention measures and creating a more comfortable environment for patients and families.
Recently completed improvements include:
- A new production kitchen to improve the provision of meals for patients in the Emergency Department.
- Relocated and expanded refreshment vending within the main waiting area.
- A dedicated treatment space with external access to support patients requiring isolation and infectious disease pathway management.
- A new medical gas store which has facilitated additional clinical space for patient care.
- Roof upgrades at reception, waiting and ambulatory care areas.
- Flooring and decoration upgrades in high-traffic areas, and
- Provision of a water dispenser within the waiting area.
Further works are also progressing, including the provision of additional toilets, patient showering facilities, extension to the Majors’ Assessment and Treatment area, expanded and upgraded patient waiting spaces, enhanced staff rest facilities, and improved access between clinical areas. These works are due to be completed in the next number of weeks. Planning is also underway to further expand the department’s resuscitation area.
The Trust has previously introduced a range of additional enhancements including the opening of the Minor Injuries Unit in March 2024, expanded clinical assessment areas, improved resuscitation facilities, a dedicated children’s waiting and play area and Northern Ireland’s first Sensory Support Room for neurodiverse patients and visitors. Patients attending the Altnagelvin Emergency Department can also access a fully compliant Changing Places facility on site.
Geraldine McKay, Director of Acute Services, Western Trust, said:
“We fully recognise the pressure experienced within our Emergency Department and the impact this can have on patients, families and staff. The redevelopment of the Emergency Department at Altnagelvin Hospital remains the Trust’s number one capital priority and work continues with the Department of Health to secure the approvals and funding necessary to progress the full scheme.
“The reality is that our existing Emergency Department is managing levels of demand that it was never originally designed to accommodate. However, while we continue to work towards our longer-term goal of securing a new purpose-built Emergency Department, we are committed to making every possible improvement to the facilities currently available.
“Over the last few years we have invested significantly in expanding clinical space, improving patient facilities and providing a better working environment for staff. These changes may not solve every challenge we face, but they are making a real difference for the thousands of people who use the department each year.
“I want to thank our Estates and Capital Development colleagues for their continued support and our ED staff for their dedication and professionalism whilst these works have been taking place, as well as our patients and families for their patience and understanding. We remain committed to improving services wherever possible and ensuring patients receive safe, high-quality care.”
The Trust stresses that pressures within the Emergency Department cannot be solved through physical expansion alone and are influenced by a range of factors including increasing demand, more complex patient needs, hospital capacity, timely discharge arrangements and the availability of community services. As a result, the Trust continues to look at both hospital and community-based initiatives to improve patient flow and ensure patients receive care in the most appropriate setting.
The Trust will continue to keep the public informed over the coming months as the capital work continues and on the progress of the Emergency Department major woks scheme which is a key priority for the Trust.