During the Summer of 2017, development began on a new £12 million two-storey assessment unit. Located adjacent to A&E; the new build will have a link into the existing hospital via a 1st floor bridge. This will have a big impact on how we care for our patients most in need of emergency care. The assessment unit will allow for patients who need an emergency assessment in order to calculate the appropriate method of treatment. This method of care will alleviate pressure from our busy A&E department and thus reduce waiting times.
Much of the unit is currently being constructed off site. This further helps with reducing disruption to the busy area outside A&E and allows for patients and visitors to move around the area safely without disruption.
Spread over 2 floors, the building will be serviced by 2 bed lifts and 3 staircases.
The main electrical and heating systems will be run from the existing energy centre with new air conditioning systems installed within the new ward. As part of helping reduce energy demands, this new unit will be highly energy efficient and has been designed with sustainability as a main focus.
Update (25/10/2017):
Work on NGH’s new 60 bedded assessment unit is progressing well and plans are now being made for the key modules for the building to be craned into place. This work will begin on 13th November and involve some essential diversion of traffic around the site until mid-December to enable the crane and lorry deliveries to operate safely.
There will be no access to the main reception and A&E area of hospital site from Cliftonville whilst the work is underway, other than for escorted blue light vehicles. In order to gain drop-off access to A&E vehicles will have to follow the diversion route and enter the site from Cliftonville Road.
A printable version of the map is available here.
Update (30/11/2017):
Modules are currently being lifted onto the site by crane and construction workers are working on the structure. Essential diversions will remain in place until mid-december.
Update (09/12/2017):
In her latest vlog, deputy chief executive & chief operating officer Deborah Needham gives a progress report including details of how #TeamNGH employees can help name the new building and wards.
Update (11/12/2017):
The road entrance off Cliftonville has reopened. This will bring the entrance back to how it was prior to the current closure, i.e. Ambulances only to the front of the main reception and A&E. Another closure will take place in late January, details will follow soon.
Update (09/01/2018):
Continuing progress is being made on NGH’s new 60 bedded assessment unit. Key modules were put in place during December by crane, this phase is now complete.
A further road-closure will be required on 22nd January; this will involve some essential diversion of traffic around the site until 12th February, to enable cladding and roof coverings to be fitted along with essential work to the bridge that will link the assessment unit to the hospital. In order to complete these tasks, a 3 metre clear working access area will be required for construction workers.
There will be no access to the main reception and A&E area of hospital site from Cliftonville whilst the work is underway, other than for escorted blue light vehicles. In order to gain drop-off access to A&E vehicles will have to follow the diversion route and enter the site from Cliftonville Road.
A printable version of the diversion map is available here.
We apologise for any inconvenience caused.
Update (02/02/2018):
Before Christmas, we asked our staff for suggestions on what our new emergency assessment unit and wards should be called. We’re delighted to share the results with you now. The new building will be called The Nye Bevan Building in honour of the architect of the NHS who 70 years ago established the British system of a health service funded from general taxation and free at the point of use. The two wards in the building will be named:
The Esther White Ward, in honour of our first matron, who worked at the Infirmary at George Row in 1743 until her death in 1751.
The Walter Tull Ward in honour of the Northampton Town Football Club player and war hero, the second black professional football player in British history and first British Army officer of black heritage.
Update (07/02/2018):
Further progress has been made with our new emergency assessment hub - in her latest vlog, deputy chief exececutive & chief operating officer Deborah Needham updates us with structural developments and anticipated completion dates.
Update (26/03/2018):
In her latest vlog, deputy chief executive & chief operating officer Deborah Needham gives an update on colours, upcoming vacancies for Acute Physicians and bed capacity and strategy at Northampton General Hospital.
Update (17/04/2018):
Below you are able to see the modules being lowered onto the site of the new Nye Bevan Unit, which took place in December 2017. The timelapse consists of footage taken over the Winter months of 2017.
Update (20/07/2018):
Take a look inside our new Nye Bevan Emergency Assessment Unit, as Chief Operating Officer and Deputy Chief Executive, Deborah Needham provides a guided tour of the new Walter Tull Ward. Video originally live streamed via Facebook Live.
Update (07/08/2018)
Take a look inside our new Nye Bevan Emergency Assessment Unit, as Chief Operating Officer and Deputy Chief Executive, Deborah Needham provides a guided tour of the new Walter Tull Ward. Video originally live streamed via Facebook Live.
Technical Information:
Design & Construction
- The new wards are spread over nearly 3000 m2 and comprises of 60 beds and a 6 bed assessment bay.
- To assist with the speed of construction and deliver this facility in less than 12 months, a modular system design has been adopted which are currently being manufactured offsite.
- The new wards are spread over nearly 3000m2 and use the DoH ProCure 21+ standard room layouts.
- The building will be founded on 95 continuous flight auger piles ranging from approximately 20-25m deep.
- The piles will take approximately 1500 tons of concrete to form.
Fire Safety
- The building will be clad in a composite board similar to other buildings that can be found on the estate. As you would expect, we have carried out a detailed review of the cladding and it satisfies the statutory fire requirements. In addition, we have adopted water misting systems to the undercroft car park and the new ward area to provide further resilience and protection for any potential fire incidents.
Sustainability
- The unit will comply with the Building Research Establishment leading sustainability assessment called BREEAM, where we will achieve a rating of Very Good.
Time-lapse of progress made on the 60-bed emergency assessment unit
Virtual model tour of the 60-bed emergency assessment unit