As the King’s representative in the county, the Lord Lieutenant recognises organisations making a difference to local communities and brings valuable experience from a background in social care.
The visit provided an opportunity to reflect on a year of progress since the opening of the Emergency Department, Children’s Assessment Unit and Acute Medical Unit, with the final phase, including Minor Injuries and Same Day Emergency Care, completed in December last year.
During the visit, the Lord Lieutenant met with clinical teams and toured key areas throughout the facility, seeing first-hand how the co-location of services is supporting a more streamlined patient journey and improving flow through urgent care.
A key improvement has been the return of longer observational stays within the Children’s Assessment Unit, now located alongside the Children’s Emergency Department.
This close proximity allows quicker transfer between departments where appropriate, supporting smoother and more efficient patient pathways. It also means more children from Bassetlaw and surrounding areas can receive care closer to home.
Previously, some children requiring overnight observation or assessment would need to travel to other hospitals, creating additional stress and disruption for families. Providing these services locally improves access to care, reduces disruption and allows families to remain together during what can be a difficult time.
The Emergency Department has also seen significant improvements to its clinical environment.
Features include individualised observation bays and a dedicated “fit to sit” area, providing a more appropriate setting for patients who can safely wait while remaining under clinical supervision.
The department is now located alongside the newly refurbished Minor Injuries and Same Day Emergency Care services, enabling patients to be directed to the most appropriate service for their needs.
For those requiring further assessment or admission, close proximity to the Acute Medical Unit provides a clear and efficient transition to specialist or ward-based care.
Together, these developments support a more streamlined urgent care pathway, helping ensure patients receive the right level of care more quickly.
During the visit, the Lord Lieutenant also reflected on the importance of community, relationships and friendship in supporting the delivery of healthcare. This was evident throughout the emergency care building, where charitable support has played an important role in enhancing the environment for patients and families.
The Bassetlaw Emergency Village Appeal, supported by Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals Charity, has enabled additional features that help create a more positive and reassuring experience, particularly for children.
The Lord Lieutenant met representatives from the League of Friends of Bassetlaw Hospital and the Rotary Club of Retford, whose fundraising has contributed to enhancements including interactive devices, toys to complement play areas, and calming features such as skylights within clinical bays.
Support for the visit was also provided by volunteers from the Rapid Relief Team, who offered refreshments to clinical teams involved in the tour and working on the day.
The tour concluded at the hospital’s children’s playground area, also made possible through charitable donations.
Zara Jones, Acting Chief Executive of the Trust, said: “While these services have been caring for patients for some time, today has been an important opportunity to reflect on the difference this investment is making for our communities.
“We have been able to bring together services that work closely alongside one another, improving the way patients move through urgent care and strengthening the experience for those who need our care.
Just as importantly, these developments mean more children and families can access care closer to home, supported by teams working in an environment designed around their needs, ensuring patients are in the right place, at the right time, for the right care.”
The visit marked an important milestone in recognising the progress made over the past year and the continued commitment of staff, partners and the local community to delivering high-quality care for patients across Bassetlaw and the surrounding areas.