A temporary paediatric assessment unit built at Warwick Hospital during the pandemic is set to become a permanent feature after plans were signed off by Warwick District Council.

South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust opened the unit under permitted development rights "to provide an immediate response to coronavirus".

But the application said the building was still needed as clinical teams "struggle to accommodate the increasing number of patients due to the buildings and facilities being at capacity". 

The planning application submitted to WDC said: "The number, size, design and configuration of rooms, corridors and waiting areas, means staff are regularly unable to find a suitable room to accommodate a service, medical and nursing, or a patient with specific needs, for example a wheelchair user."

It added: "This development at Warwick Hospital forms part of the ongoing improvements to the hospital to help facilitate the future growth and redevelopment of the site to help provide opportunity to improve services and facilities and create a more sustainable hospital to the advantage of the local community."

Built over 24 parking spaces in car park C, the portacabin houses consultation and treatment rooms, storage and a staff room.

Approving the application, a council report said the unit remains "of significant importance to the efficient and effective provision of care services within the wider hospital site".

"Overall, the community benefits derived through the unit are viewed to be appropriately justified."

And while the decision will mean 24 car parking spaces are lost permanently, the council said the new 469-space multi-storey carpark of Millers Road made up for the shortfall.

The trust has also submitted plans for a phase one of its major redevelopment of the site, asking for permission to knock down and rebuild the current entrance.