THE accident and emergency department at Frenchay Hospital has been refurbished despite its closure in five years' time.

The NHS said the revamp was needed to provide patients with the best possible care before Frenchay is downgraded to a community health centre on 2014.

Juliette Hughes, clinical matron in the emergency department, said: "The waiting area at Frenchay sees around 200 people a day, 365 days a year.

"People want to feel welcome when they are in pain and anxious so this area is a vital part of the department.

"We were conscious the waiting area had not been updated for a while and that we’re still five years away from the new emergency department opening at Southmead."

The refurbishment includes bright colours in the reception and waiting areas, colourful wooden seating for patients and improvements to the children’s area with new toys and furniture.

The waiting area has not been updated since Frenchay became the only hospital operated by North Bristol NHS Trust with an emergency department. In 2013, an 800-bed hospital will open in Southmead with a brand new emergency department after health bosses favoured the site over Frenchay.