This expansion has resulted in a jumbled, cramped feel where the staff are almost on top of each other. Storage space is so limited that one of the kennels is taken up with storing medical equipment even though there are not enough large kennels for the patients.
With nearly 50 Hospitals across the UK to maintain every year its not surprising that this building hasn't been replaced already. It takes a huge amount of money to buy land, build and run one of these centres. Walking through the hospital I am amazed at how well the staff are coping, but it's clear speaking to them how difficult they are finding getting through the daily work in an efficient manner. Like Cardiff and Plymouth, Birmingham is overdue a new hospital to allow PDSA to continue its incredibly important work for the next 41 years. A new building will have a proper car park, six consult rooms, instead of the current four, and up to date surgical facilities.
I was there to record some video material to help promote the hospital campaign that has already raised enough money for Plymouth's new hospital that will be opening later this year but still needs a big push to help out the desperate situations on Cardiff and Birmingham.
Even trying to film in the Xray room to show its large, old, cumbersome machine that needs replacing was difficult as this room is the only room available to treat inpatients even though it requires them to be carried through the surgical prep area which is crammed with people and patients already.
Having worked in one of PDSA's more up to date hospitals and seeing the designs of the modern hospitals it was quite amazing to visit one of the oldest buildings they currently work in. The only thing that is keeping moral up in this hospital is the knowledge that there is this huge push to try and get them a replacement building that will make their lives and the lives of their patients so much better.
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