Linda Story is an A&E clerk and the first point of contact for any new patient arriving in the department.

She has seen all too often the discomfort patients can endure when waiting to be treated.

“As a department, we have always felt comfortable furniture and surrounds are important – as everyone knows, a visit to our department can involve a long wait,” she said.

“We see a lot of people who are in pain and distress whilst they are waiting, and we want to make sure we do everything we can to enhance their care.”

One planned feature of the new emergency department will be eight reclining chairs in the waiting area, but these will not be funded by the NHS.

“We have already received some small donations from patients, and we are very grateful,” added Linda.