Work begins on improving access to hospital services

The construction work on the reception area, which is being carried out by Leeds-based firm BAM, is part of Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust's "Hospital of Tomorrow" programme, which aims to upgrade facilities and services across the hospital site.

Already, a new purpose-built theatre admissions unit has opened, which is designed to admit patients on the day of their surgery and reduce the need for them to come into hospital the night before their operation.

Two new operating theatres have also been built, which opened in March this year.

Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust's chief of service transformation, Mark Trumper, said: "We are passionate about the care we give people and from the moment someone walks through our doors we want them to feel safe, comfortable and confident in the excellent care they will receive.

"Changing our reception to make it easier for people to get around, to find what they need or the help they want and creating a calmer, brighter, welcoming area will make things better for patients and will have a positive impact on their wellbeing.

"As building work has begun there will be some inevitable disruptions. We are committed to keeping disruption to an absolute minimum, making sure we maintain the quality of our services throughout with as little impact on patients, visitors and staff as possible."

Sheffield-based architecture firm Race Cottam is working alongside BAM on the project.