A new audiology department has opened after a £850,000 project to completely redesign and rebuild it at St Helier Hospital.

The new department in the first floor of Ferguson House comprises of eight clinic rooms, a new waiting room, reception area with a flat screen TV and seasonal theme for each different clinic room.

These range from tulips to an autumnal forest scene.

Head of audiology Nicola Charlton said: “We are so incredibly proud of the new unit – it is a wonderful environment that boasts the very latest technology in everything related to the science of hearing and balance conditions.

“So whether a patient is suffering from hearing loss or needs an appointment because of a balance issue related to the inner ear – such as vertigo – our expert staff can provide the compassionate care you would expect in a fresh and bright environment.

“Every inch of the unit has been designed by the team here, so we can guarantee the service we can now provide is tailor-made for our patients.”

Of the eight rooms, five are fully soundproofed, two are used for hearing therapy and hearing aid appointments, and one is lightproofed for testing patients’ balance.

It hosts some of the latest equipment available with leading software and technology.

She added: “Although the new look is welcoming and bright, it’s functional too. The whole of the unit has been designed to be dementia friendly, and offers reassurance to our patients living with dementia.”

Chief executive Daniel Elkeles said: “We are absolutely delighted to have opened this fantastic new facility for our patients. It has taken a huge amount of work from our audiology team and estates and facilities team, but just one look around the new department and it is evident that the hard work was more than worth it.

“The feedback from our patients and staff working in the department has been incredibly positive so far, and I am pleased to say that there’s more improvements like this on the way.

“This year, we are investing a record £30 million into our facilities, with a wealth of exciting new developments already underway, including our £12 million improvements to the fabric of the building at St Helier and creating a new urgent care centre at Epsom Hospital – along with much, much more.”