Latest news with #BoltonNHSFoundationTrust
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Work begins on Royal Bolton Hospital's maternity wing to replace RAAC
Work has begun on a £38 million scheme to replace reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) at the Royal Bolton Hospital's maternity wing. Officials confirmed the presence of RAAC at the hospital's maternity and women's health unit in 2023. The lightweight material was seen as a cheaper alternative to regular concrete and often used in construction between the 1950s and 1990s. Its airy nature led to an expected lifespan of around 30 years, with hundreds of schools and public buildings now suffering crumbling walls, floors and roofs. All carry the risk of moisture seeping into the RAAC and causing it to collapse. Tyrone Roberts, the chief nursing officer at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, said: 'This is a really exciting time for maternity and women's health services here in Bolton – the first steps in what will be a fantastic development for families now and for many future years to come. 'We're looking forward to the families of Bolton and beyond starting their journeys together in a modern environment that will be fit for not only them, but future generations.' The project will take place across different stages to make sure there is no loss of service in maternity, antenatal and postnatal care, with the hospital promising it will deliver 'modern facilities' for local families. Work will also take place to refurbish the hospital's operating theatres, upgrading mechanical ventilation systems, and installing new rooftop plant machinery. Elliot Robertson, the CEO of Robertson Group who will undertake the renovation, said: 'This marks an important step forward not just in addressing the immediate challenges posed by RAAC, but in creating modern, safe, and welcoming healthcare environments that will serve generations to come. 'We are working in close partnership with the NHS to deliver high-quality space that enable staff to focus on what matters most – patient care. 'It's a privilege to support Bolton NHS Foundation Trust on such a vital transformation.' There are 47 hospitals across England with RAAC confirmed in their buildings, with the government allocating £954 million to help tackle the problem since the 2021/22 financial year. Five other hospitals in Greater Manchester are in the national programme to tackle RAAC- Salford Royal, the Royal Oldham, Leigh Infirmary, Wythenshawe Hospital and North Manchester General. A project to eradicate RAAC at Stepping Hill in Stockport was completed last year.
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
More than 1,250 meals handed out to staff and visitors for iftars during Ramadan
More than 1,250 meals were handed out to staff and visitors at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust to help those observing Ramadan to break their fast. The Hospital Iftars scheme aimed to support visitors who may have arrived at the hospital with nothing to break their fast while accompanying loved ones, alongside providing meals to staff. Around 80 meals were provided each day to ensure both staff and visitors could break their fast with dignity and comfort. During the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims in hospital face the challenge of fasting from dawn until sunset, while also balancing the demanding environment of healthcare work. Hospital Iftars aims not only to support the physical well-being of those fasting but also to foster a sense of community, breaking down isolation and bringing people together. READ MORE: James Mawrey, chief people officer and deputy chief executive at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, said: 'We were really pleased to support Hospital Iftars for another year, as we recognise how critical it is for both staff and visitors to have access to well-balanced meals at iftar, helping to maintain energy and focus. 'This allows our staff to continue providing excellent care for our patients and for visitors to focus on their family members. 'It was also wonderful to see the sense of community created each evening, bringing people together in a safe space to connect with other staff, visitors, and the wider community.' Each meal is thoughtfully prepared to be easily digestible after a long day of fasting, offering both nourishment and a sense of comfort. Through this initiative, Hospital Iftars helps sustain not only the body but also the spirit, creating a sense of unity, care, and connection within the hospital community. Aisha Ahmed, a domestic cleaner for iFM Bolton, said: 'I work in the evenings and cannot open iftar with my husband so it's nice that you have created a way to feed people that are working. Bolton NHS FT Hospital Iftars Team (Image: Bolton NHS FT) 'You feel quite alone when you're opening your fast by yourself without family but it's very reassuring that others that are Muslim are also working in the hospital and experiencing the same as me. "What you are doing here is very helpful and brings a community of people together. Visitors were also able to join the iftars each evening. Rabia said: 'My father is very sick in hospital, what I found in my darkest moments was a supportive community in our time of need. 'What an unbelievable blessing this was – facilitated by a selfless team of volunteers. "I hope to return this immense gratitude I feel next Ramadan by volunteering – God willing. "Thank you Hospital Iftars team.'
Yahoo
10-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
New blood test being rolled out at Royal Bolton Hospital from today
A new blood test is being rolled out in Royal Bolton Hospital A&E today in a bid to save more lives. From today, anyone over 16 who attends Royal Bolton Hospital's emergency department and receives a routine blood test, will also be tested for HIV, Hepatitis B (HBV), and Hepatitis C (HCV) - unless they choose to opt out. The blood-borne virus (BBV) opt-out testing programme is being launched locally as the programme is expanded across Greater Manchester. The initiative is helping to diagnose HIV, HBV, and HCV and make sure even more people are offered support and treatment, which doctors say can ultimately save lives. Those behind the testing say the approach is aiming to normalise testing, reduce stigma and ensure those who are unaware of their status receive timely care. Dr Francis Andrews, Medical Director and Consultant in Emergency Medicine at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, said: "We are proud to be a part of this innovative testing programme, taking us one step closer to ending new transmissions of HIV in Bolton and across Greater Manchester by 2030. 'Routine testing for blood-borne viruses not only allows us to significantly increase detection and save lives by making sure people get the care and treatment they need, but it also normalises testing, reduces stigmas and helps us to tackle local health inequalities. Since the programme launched in Greater Manchester in December 2021, over 300,000 people have been tested. More than 120 people have been newly diagnosed with HIV, 320 with HCV and 140 with HBV. Gary, not his real name, from Manchester was diagnosed fifteen months ago following an opt-out HIV test. He said: "As frightening as it has been, I am glad I got the diagnosis, if I hadn't, I wouldn't have known and may have put other people at risk. "Getting the test may have prevented further terror for me. I have received nothing but compassion and understanding since being diagnosed. HIV and viral hepatitis can often go undetected for years, leading to severe health complications. Early diagnosis and treatment mean people can live long, healthy lives and prevent onward transmission. READ MORE: How patients are helping shape treatment at Royal Bolton Hospital Starmer becomes first PM to take HIV test as he urges public to get tested Royal Bolton Hospital parking fine overturned for pensioner Jane Pilkington, Director of Population Health at NHS Greater Manchester said: "Opt-out testing is saving lives. By identifying people with undiagnosed blood borne viruses, we can offer them treatment and support, reducing the risk of long-term health complications and further transmission. This programme is a crucial step towards eliminating new transmissions of HIV and viral hepatitis. 'Importantly, the programme normalises testing for blood borne viruses and helps to address stigma. The opt-out approach means we can expand testing to those who may not access it through other routes. This is key to addressing health inequalities relating to HIV and viral hepatitis, and ensuring everyone receives the care and support they need. To find out more about the testing with Bolton NHS Foundation Trust website.
