Cromer Hospital celebrates treating 500,000th patient

Cromer Hospital is marking an important milestone this week as it welcomes its 500,000th patient.

The newly developed Cromer Hospital opened its doors to the public in March 2012 replacing the 1930s-founded hospital. The £15 million development was made possible by two generous legacies; Sagle Bernstein left £11.4 million and Phyllis Cox left £1.3 million. This week, the hospital estimates it will treat its 500,000th patient.

The hospital provides a wide range of consultant-led outpatient services, day case operations and an Minor Injuries Unit (MIU) open seven days a week, from 08.00 to 20.00. Facilities include an ophthalmic operating theatre plus new diagnostic services including a permanent on-site mammography (breast screening) service, and a DEXA scanner for osteoporosis diagnosis. A brand new MRI scanner was also installed in late 2010. There is also a permanent renal dialysis unit.

Carole Woodward from Salhouse is having cataract surgery at Cromer Hospital this week and said: “I’ve always had brilliant treatment at Cromer hospital. It’s such a lovely hospital with such friendly and welcoming staff. They are brilliant and I find the nurses very easy to talk to.”

Helen Lloyd, Cromer Hospital Operational Manager, added: “The first few years in the new hospital have been excellent. We’ve added new services such as introducing chemotherapy and the one-stop cataract service, and are delighted that this week we are treating our 500,000th patient.”

On Saturday 18th October the hospital is running its second open day for the public from 11am to 4pm. The open day is free and will enable visitors to see the hospital facilities first hand, have the opportunity to find out more about their own health and take part in a variety of activities. Before the open day, at 10:00am a stone will be unveiled to commemorate the successful completion of the new Cromer Hospital in March 2012.