In 2020, staff worked with architects to develop ideas and designs for the new eye hospital. Patient representatives from the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) also helped.

This design work focused on the patient experience to improve:

  • the patient journey and flow throughout the hospital
  • privacy and dignity for patients, carers and families
  • lighting and sound acoustics within the new building
  • wayfinding, signage and patient waiting areas

Ground floor

The ground floor will have 2 entrances. One from the car park and the other is easier if you walk or get public transport.

Inside will be open, airy and bright. There will be a large welcome desk. A large, open staircase will be a big feature and there will be 2 lifts to get you to all floors.  

In the public areas you will find:

  • A coffee shop
  • A pharmacy
  • A dedicated RNIB Eye Clinic Liaison Office (ECLO) for people with sight impairment
  • An outdoor space for guide dogs

Clinical areas will include:

  • A 24/7 Emergency Department for eye injuries and conditions
  • A specialist Retina Unit for people with macular conditions
  • An imaging hub for photos and scans of the eyes

There will also be:

  • Baby changing spaces
  • A comfortable and private breastfeeding room
  • A Changing Places facility  

First floor

The first floor will be home to all main outpatient clinics. You will visit outpatients when you have an appointment at the Eye Hospital but don’t need to stay overnight.

A reception desk will be at the top of the stairs. There will be large waiting area. Another imaging hub will be on the first floor. There will also be a treatment room. This will be used for small procedures that don’t need a full theatre.

There will be a dedicated waiting area for children’s clinics. This will have buggy parking.

A restaurant will be available for public and staff. There will also be a quiet faith room and baby changing spaces.

Second floor

The second floor is where the main inpatient ward and operating theatres will be. You will be in the inpatient ward if you stay overnight. This will be in en-suite bedrooms.

The Surgical Day Unit will also have en-suite rooms. These will be used when you get to the hospital, have surgery and recover before going home. Children who need surgery will have a separate waiting and recovery area with en-suite rooms.

Third floor

The third floor is where our Cataract Treatment Centre will be. This is a well-known centre in the UK for cataract treatment. This will be a dedicated space for both clinics and surgery.

Also on the third floor will be education and training spaces. This is where our staff will continue to learn and develop their skills. Our staff office will also be on the third floor.