A HOSPITAL is hoping its new accident and emergency extension will help to deal with high admission numbers.

The urgent treatment centre at Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton contains five treatment rooms, as well as a waiting area.

The £2.85 million structure was built off-site, but pieced together at the hospital, so the existing accident and emergency department could remain open.

James Millar, deputy director of Capital Development and Property at University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (UHSussex), said: “This is a really positive development that will ease pressure on the hospital, leaving other departments free to treat the most serious cases.

The Argus: The exterior of the new centreThe exterior of the new centre

“We look forward to patients experiencing the improved environment that this new facility can offer.

“This is part of the trust’s dedication to delivering the best possible care environments across all our hospitals.”

The two-storey building was constructed by Willmott Dixon Interiors, which also delivered an “internal fit out of the building, ready for clinical use”.

The Argus: The centre includes a large waiting roomThe centre includes a large waiting room

Graham Shaw, managing director at the firm, said: “Modular construction is enabling us to deliver a faster and more efficient build which minimises disruption for NHS staff.

"The new building will supplement the hospital’s existing facilities, providing access to urgent treatment and additional clinical space, as well as supporting a better patient flow through all parts of the department.”

The new centre is situated to the left of the existing accident and emergency department, and is now in operation.