Hopes new £9.9m unit will cut A&E waiting times
BBCPlans have been approved for a new £9.9m unit which hospital bosses hope will take pressure off their main emergency department.
The James Paget University Hospital (JPUH) in Gorleston in Norfolk applied for permission to build an urgent treatment centre as it said a growing number of patients were attending its A&E.
When it submitted proposals in June, the hospital said the unit would mean people with emergency conditions that are not life-threatening could be seen faster.
Great Yarmouth Borough Council has now approved the plans and the centre is due to open next spring.
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JPUH said patients would be seen by a dedicated team with 10 consultation, treatment and observation rooms.
It will treat injuries such as deep cuts, burns, sprains and illnesses including mild infections.
The unit will be open seven days a week from 08:00 BST to 22:00 and is expected to see one third of patients from the hospital's main A&E.
Construction is expected to begin shortly.
Ben Pritchard-Jones, director of operations at JPUH, said it would "help our existing emergency department focus on caring for patients with life-threatening conditions and serious illnesses".
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