Copthorne on the upper level will treat General Surgery patients and Charlwood on the lower level will treat Digestive Diseases patients. The two new wards have 20 beds in each, with four single rooms and four four-bed rooms. The additional beds on the two new wards will improve the 'patient flow' throughout the hospital and will have a positive impact on the Emergency Department and the hospital as a whole.
Ian Mackenzie, director of information and Facilities said, "I am really proud of what the team at East Surrey Hospital have achieved; we've gone from an initial idea in July last year to opening two new wards in seven months. This shows what we can achieve when we work together to improve services for our patients"
The new wards are the first in the hospital to introduce our new patient entertainment systems. Each bed in the new wards has its own flat screen digital TV, radio, telephone and internet access. The new patient entertainment systems also have the capacity to make inbound and outbound phone calls and will soon allow Doctors to log into the Trust's computer systems to check patient results.
The wards are also pioneering new food serving techniques, enhancing our patients' experience at meal times. Part of this improvement scheme is the introduction of new trolleys which have hot and cold cupboard compartments to keep the food at the correct temperature. Other measures are also being taken to improve food presentation, portion size and menu choice on the new wards.
Michael Wilson, Chief Executive of the Trust said, "I am delighted that the new wards have opened on time and on budget. As part of our £14 million redevelopment programme, the new wards and additional capacity will ensure that patients arrive more quickly onto wards for treatment. They will help to reduce overcrowding and create a more comfortable experience for both staff and patients."
The modular units that make up the wards were delivered at the end of November 2011 and were handed over to the Trust for fitting out at the beginning of February. 
East Surrey Hospital opened two new wards on Monday 20 February, as part of its £14 million redevelopment programme. The Trust held an open day on Friday for staff before they welcomed the first patients yesterday.