Local MP Steve Barclay cuts the ribbon to formally open new facilities at North Cambs Hospital in Wisbech
Brexit Secretary Steve Barclay took time out from Westminster to officially open new health facilities at the North Cambs Hospital in Wisbech on Friday.
The North East Cambs MP told an audience of local dignitaries, health workers and friends of the hospital, “this is what is important to the people of this constituency”.
Speaking shortly before cutting a ribbon to officially open the DynamicHealth musculoskeletal (MSK) physiotherapy and the new community midwives hub, he said the North Cambs Hospital is very dear to local people who are “rightly proud of the facilities it offers”.
He gave an anecdote of when he and his wife Karen were expecting their second child and visited the antenatal department only to discover it was located upstairs in the hospital.
“It struck me this was badly designed. I was there to carry the pram upstairs, but what if there were people who did not have someone to do that for them. I thought it was a bit odd to have such a service upstairs,” said Mr Barclay.
He said that was six years ago and since then there has been a lot work behind the scenes at the Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust to improve the situation.
Mr Barclay said it has taken a long time and a huge commitment to bring the “sub optimal” facilities up to scratch and provide a better environment for staff and patients.
“My view is things are never static they are either getting better or they are getting worse. It is clear the facilities here are getting better,” he said.
The new facilities, which include a spacious well-equipped gym for classes and one-to-one rehabilitation sessions, are part of an £8 million redevelopment of the North Cambs site announced last April, which focused on upgrading vacant and out-dated accommodation.
It is phased over a three year period and this was the first part of that redevelopment involving the refurbishment of Rowan Lodge.
Three services occupy the new light and airy accommodation that includes private clinic rooms, a disability-friendly reception with self check-in and latest technology to enable patients to view their x-rays and scans.
Midwives from The Queen Elizabeth Hospital team began providing clinics and classes from the first local Midwifery Community Hub last month.
Around 350 women receive their antenatal and post-natal care from the 10-strong Blue Team at the North Cambs site.
The hub boasts five clinic rooms along with a treatment room and staff areas.
