Weston General Hospital (WGH) has officially opened its newly expanded Same Day Emergency Care (SDEC) unit, marking a major advancement in urgent and emergency care services. This growth was made possible thanks to nearly £5 million in funding from NHS England, awarded to University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust (UHBW).
Since its initial launch in 2023, the SDEC unit at Weston General Hospital has treated over 7,000 patients, with an impressive 95% able to return home the same day after receiving treatment. The fresh investment will enable the unit to handle more patients more efficiently, significantly reducing unnecessary hospital admissions and prolonged stays.
Maria Kane, Bristol NHS Group Chief Executive, officially opened the unit and emphasized its importance: “The investment and expansion of Weston’s SDEC is a key milestone in establishing Weston General Hospital as a vital and thriving healthcare hub for our community. Our vision is to provide high-quality, safe, and integrated health services designed to meet the local population’s needs now and in the future, fostering innovative partnerships with health and care providers.
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“Our commitment remains steadfast in enhancing care delivery to serve our Four Ps — patients, people, population, and the public purse.”
Also present was Ingrid Barker, Bristol NHS Group Chair, who praised the project’s success: “This expanded unit represents a crucial element in Weston General Hospital’s promising future. I extend heartfelt thanks to everyone involved—from construction teams to clinical staff—who contributed to bringing this initiative to life. Well done to all.”
Charlotte King, Urgent Care Matron and SDEC Clinical Project Manager, shared insights on the unit’s design and patient focus: “Clinicians contributed from the outset to ensure the new Weston SDEC meets the needs of both patients and staff. This facility supports the delivery of prompt, high-quality care while preventing unnecessary hospital admissions. Features like artwork, courtesy of our wonderful hospital charity, contribute to creating a welcoming patient environment.”
Judith Hernandez del Pino, Hospital Director at WGH, highlighted the broader community benefits: “Weston General provides outstanding care not only to local residents but also to many visitors. Matching services to community needs is vital. The increased SDEC capacity enhances the wider emergency department and inpatient wards, boosting hospital flow and overall capacity. We believe these improvements will greatly benefit the patients and communities we serve.”
The expanded Same Day Emergency Care unit officially begins accepting patients next week, marking one of several ongoing improvements at Weston General Hospital aimed at advancing healthcare quality and accessibility.