Waiting times could be shorter at Macclesfield's accident and emergency department, should new plans go ahead.

Plans have been submitted to modernise and extend the accident and emergency department at Macclesfield District General Hospital.

The East Cheshire NHS Trust wants to refurbish the department to provide additional patient accommodation at the ground floor level.

The majority of the proposed works will take place within the existing building – although there is a small area of new build proposed.

Live wait times for the site are currently not listed on the East Cheshire NHS website. (Image - Alexander Greensmith / Macclesfield Nub News)

A design and access statement submitted with the planning application by Gilling Dod Architects states: "The proposed refurbishment of the existing A&E of Macclesfield District General intends to provide better patient pathways and bring the department standards up to meet current guidance.

"The proposed [plan] has been identified by the trust as meeting the current and future needs of the unit."

The refurbished accident and emergency department will occupy the same floor area as the existing department on the ground floor of the main hospital building below the newly refurbished intensive care unit.

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The small area of new build will infill a portion of an existing courtyard adjacent to the department and the GP Out of Hours, directly adjacent to A&E.

A decision will be made by October 6. (Image - Alexander Greensmith / Macclesfield Nub News)

The report states: "Due to the upgrade of the mechanical and electrical equipment to meet modern A&E requirements, and reduce transmission of infections such as Covid, there is a need to expand the area for designated plant.

"After considering multiple areas around the department, the level one roof above the GP Out of Hours has been selected as the most suitable place for this equipment as well as utilising the roof of the new build.

"This is due to the space available for the equipment meeting the requirements and its close proximity to the department. The majority of the new plant area will be internally housed, with a new plant room being created."

The application is due to be determined in October by a Cheshire East planning officer under delegated authority.

A Chorley-based architect has been chosen for the project. (Image - Gilling Dod Architects)

The application, number 22/3253M, can be viewed on the planning portal on the council's website and the closing date for comments from the public is September 14.

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While there is no evidence within the application to suggest quicker wait times, or how many jobs it will bring, it is hoped this will alleviate the current six-hour wait time, as of June 2022.

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