Strengthening Specialist Care in a Live Hospital Environment
Trusted Care, Shared Knowledge
The programme comprised three key projects: an extension to the existing Post Anaesthetic Care Unit, a new Vascular Imaging Unit and a three-storey modular Hybrid Theatres building linked to the hospital’s operating theatres.
The PACU project created a fit-for-purpose ward environment for patients following surgery. The Vascular Imaging Unit, located within a former Physiotherapy Unit, provides two cardio labs, two vascular labs, a recovery ward and supporting accommodation, increasing capacity for state-of-the-art image-guided procedures. The Hybrid Theatres project supports image-guided surgery and includes an MRI scanner suite.
Concept and Strategy
Working closely with clinicians, estates teams and project partners, BMJ helped refine the programme to protect essential clinical functions while identifying more efficient delivery solutions. This collaborative approach ensured the facilities were shaped around day-to-day clinical workflows, patient pathways and the Trust’s long-term service needs.
The work involved both new build and refurbishment within a live hospital environment, with BMJ working carefully around the constraints of the existing hospital fabric. For the PACU and VIU, the existing 1970s construction required detailed coordination with the project fire engineer, approved inspector and NHS Fire Officer.
The Hybrid Theatres project presented a different challenge, requiring the scheme to be delivered within permitted development rights while also adapting to evolving clinical requirements. During the programme, the design was developed to incorporate an MRI scanner suite, drawing on BMJ’s specialist experience in complex imaging and surgical environments.
Built to Heal, Designed to Endure
The project made effective use of existing estate stock, extending the life of 50-year-old building fabric and reducing the carbon impact associated with new build. At the VIU, the opportunity was taken to upgrade the thermal performance of the existing fabric through insulated render. New construction included a high proportion of recycled and recyclable materials, with low-VOC finishes specified. Together, the projects increase capacity for image-guided procedures, enhance post-operative recovery facilities and provide future-ready clinical environments that support evolving models of healthcare delivery across the Trust.
