The Belfast Health and Social Care Trust has celebrated the significant milestone of Phase B1 of the Belfast Maternity Unit at Royal Victoria Hospital reaching completion.
The Unit has been officially handed over to the Trust by GRAHAM-BAM Healthcare Partnership.
The state-of-the-art facility was valued at approximately £85m.
This achievement marks a significant advancement in healthcare infrastructure, promising to enhance the birthing experience for over 5,000 women annually who rely on the Royal Jubilee Maternity Service.
The Belfast Maternity Unit build
Built adjacent to the existing Maternity Hospital, the new five-storey unit boasts modern amenities and innovative design features aimed at providing a welcoming and uplifting environment.
The Belfast Maternity Unit includes:
- En-suite rooms equipped with birthing pools
- Delivery suites
- Obstetric theatres
- A neonatal intensive care unit
All of these amenities are conveniently located on one floor for seamless accessibility.
The state-of-the-art facility was valued at approximately £85m
The new Unit also ensures comprehensive care for mothers and babies, from routine deliveries to those requiring specialised care.
However, the project's success was not without its challenges. Graham Construction stated in a press release that the construction took place “within a busy acute hospital environment surrounded by existing live hospital buildings”.
But, through close collaboration with the Trust's management and stakeholders, GBHP implemented rigorous logistical coordination and infection prevention measures to minimise disruptions and ensure the safety of patients and staff.
Peter Reavey, Director at GBHP, said: “This new Maternity Hospital represents the future of maternity care for Belfast. We are proud to deliver a facility that not only meets the highest standards of safety and comfort, but also fosters an environment of support and empowerment for mothers and their newborns."
Maureen Edwards, Belfast Trust Director of Finance, Estates & Capital Development, said: “Belfast Health and Social Care Trust is delighted that the handover of the new maternity hospital from contractors, GRAHAM-BAM, has taken place.”
The project's success was not without its challenges
“This is a significant step in delivering a new modern facility which will provide a high standard of care for our mothers and their new babies. Our sincere thanks go to GRAHAM-BAM Healthcare Partnership, and of course our own staff for the work they continue to carry out to ensure we can open the building as soon as possible,” Edwards concluded.
In addition to the Maternity Hospital, GBHP also previously completed the £30 million Acute Mental Health Inpatient Centre at Belfast City Hospital.
