Staff and patients alike have returned to the Dixon Ward at Lincoln County Hospital after a £1 million seven-month refurbishment project.
Gastroenterology patients will now be treated at a more modern, new-look space with “5-star facilities” according to United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust
Dixon Ward has gone from a 28-bed ward to just 20 beds, but now has the addition of the Saxon Suite, a day unit which will be used to treat patients without the need for overnight stays.
The new development also allows for dedicated areas for staff to put on their personal protective equipment, ensuring that all COVID-19 protocol is followed.
Some of the Dixon Ward staff at one of the new bays built in as part of the refurbishment. | Photo: ULHT
While the ward was under construction, staff who usually operate from there were being moved to other areas of the hospital, but they now have a new base of operations.
Ward Sister Cheryl Butler said she is so proud of her team for their efforts during the coronavirus pandemic in uncertain circumstances.
“Over the last seven months they have stuck together and supported each other while being moved to several locations around the hospital.
“Now, we have returned home to a ward that is simply the best for our patients and for staff too.”
“It really has been a team effort to make sure that it really is perfect. Every member of the team has been involved and consulted on the changes.”
United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust chief executive Andrew Morgan was delighted with the project’s completion.
He said: “There really has been a huge amount of work in such a reasonably short space of time to make this into a fantastic ward during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It really is a credit to everyone involved, in what has been a very challenging year.”
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We are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage after a collision caused serious injuries to a 23-year-old man.
Just before 3.30pm yesterday (2 July), we received reports of a collision on Barholm Road in Tallington. It involved a grey BMW 335D estate, a blue BMW 116D and an orange KTM motorcycle.
The motorcycle rider, a 23-year-old man, sustained serious injuries during the collision and was taken to hospital.
If you witnessed the incident and are yet to get in touch with us, please do so. If you have any other information or dashcam footage available that may have captured the road along the A1175 at the time of the collision, get in touch.
By calling 101 quoting incident 282 of 2 July.
By emailing [email protected] quoting incident 282 of 2 July in the subject line.
If you wish to remain anonymous, you can report via the independent charity CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111 or online.
The 2022 Destination Lincolnshire Tourism Excellence Awards are open for applications, and Destination Lincolnshire giving you the rare chance to co-create your application with Nell Barrington, a tourism awards veteran, who has helped hundreds of businesses write winning applications over the last 15 years – including national VisitEngland winners.
The Tourism Awards Masterclass is taking place on Tuesday 12 July at 11am for one-hour online. Laura Freer, Head of Marketing at Destination Lincolnshire said: “This is a golden opportunity, after years of hard work and heartache, to get your business and team recognised and rewarded.
“A well written application is key to achieving a coveted place on this year’s shortlist, and I’d encourage all tourism and visitor economy businesses who are thinking of entering – whether they are seasoned at writing award applications or not – to join us for this exclusive masterclass.
“Nell Barrington has worked with us and VisitEngland on the founding application processes of these awards, and she is perfectly placed to assist in co-creating applications that you can be proud of. This is a great opportunity for business development too – whether you are shortlisted for an award or not – discovering how to effectively apply for awards and talk up your business adds another string to your bow.
“Booking is essential and places are limited to just 35 – so be quick! This year we’ve made our masterclass available to partners and also to those who we are yet to work with for free. Call it an added bonus, after two years away from the awards circuit.
The awards masterclass is focussed on the application process, and it will spell out what the judges are looking for. You’ll learn how to make your application stand out from the local competition, helping your chances of going through to the national VisitEngland Awards in 2023.”
There are fifteen categories open for nominations from visitors attraction, accommodation providers, hospitality businesses and many more.
The deadline for nominations is July 29, with online judging starting on July 30 and mystery shopping from August 13. Finalists will be announced on Monday, August 15.
The awards ceremony will be held at the Engine Shed on October 21, and will be hosted by Lincs FM presenter, John Marshall.
The event is organised by Stonebow Media, publishers of The Lincolnite, to celebrate the best businesses in Greater Lincolnshire, alongside headline sponsors Lincoln College and Destination Lincolnshire.
We would also like to thank our other sponsors Visit Lincolnshire, Heart of Lincs, Duncan and Toplis and LNER, insight6 and EV Camel.