BAM has been appointed as principal supply chain partner for the delivery of a new women and children’s hospital for The Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust.
The proposed new building has been designed to bring together the hospital’s maternity, neonatal, and paediatric care; obstetrics; and gynaecology services within one facility.
It would also become the location for the hospital’s new main entrance, transforming the layout of the current site in Truro.
The programme, which has expanded in scope since its inception, is starting with the demolition of six derelict houses to create the space for a works compound for BAM while major enabling and building works are undertaken over the next six years.
Work is also underway to relocate car parking for patients and visitors – another key enabling project.
Bringing services together, along with bigger rooms and better facilities, will improve patient flow and create spaces in which to provide outstanding care long into the future
The Women and Children’s Hospital is part of the Government’s New Hospital Programme, focused on delivering 48 new hospitals across England by 2030 using Modern Methods of Construction, with environmental features throughout to support the NHS’s carbon net zero ambitions.
Smart digital innovations and enhancements are also planned for the scheme – such as creating sensory and interactive play areas, systems to connect families and carers remotely in the delivery of care, and enhancements to the management of patient call systems to provide a quieter, calmer environment on the wards.
Roberta Fuller, programme director for the women and children’s hospital and head of hospital reconfiguration at the trust, said: “We are delighted to have appointed BAM as our principal supply chain partner.
“This is a really important partnership for the Royal Cornwall Hospital and we are pleased to be moving forward with the enabling works with support from the New Hospital Programme.
“Our designs for the new hospital are based on meeting the needs of our local community in Cornwall and will transform the hospital site.
“Bringing services together, along with bigger rooms and better facilities, will improve patient flow and create spaces in which to provide outstanding care long into the future.”
Graham Kingdon, construction director (Western Region) at BAM Construct UK, added: “What makes a building come to life from the outset is the strength of understanding between all the parties.
Our goal is to deliver the new hospital to agreed timescales, solving problems as we go through the intelligent use of technology
“That is what drives our ability to innovate, find additional sustainability solutions, and add value to the local economy and communities.
“Our goal is to deliver the new hospital to agreed timescales, solving problems as we go through the intelligent use of technology.”
The Women and Children’s Hospital programme is currently at Outline Business Case stage and, having been through an extensive and comprehensive Technical Assurance Review process, was recommended on 3 February to go forward to HM Treasury for next stage approval.
The outcome of this recommendation is expected in the next few weeks.
Enabling works will continue into 2024 and 2025, with the provision of a new pathology building, and the relocation of cardiac and pharmacy services.
The entire programme is anticipated to complete in 2028.
