Building our future

A major redevelopment project is underway at QVH to build six new operating theatres and supporting infrastructure, due to be open by summer 2013. The state-of-the-art facilities will help guarantee a secure and independent future for the hospital.

Background

The aging estate is one of the greatest challenges facing QVH. Maintaining the buildings, many of which were built before 1940, is very costly and without action soon there is a risk that electrical and plumbing problems could disrupt work in the operating theatres in the coming years.

The new theatres and facilities will also provide a much better experience for our patients.

Previous plans to rebuild the site, which received planning permission in 2008, became unaffordable in the present financial climate. However, thanks to the hard work of staff to find and implement more efficient ways of working while maintaining the highest standards of care, QVH has been able to secure the funds for new operating theatres and supporting facilities.

Timeline

Preparatory work began in the spring of 2011 and some old buildings were demolished and replaced to make way for the new development. A brand new outpatients department opened in April 2012. With the preparatory work complete, construction of the new theatres began in June 2012 and the new facilities should be ready for use by summer 2013.

Business as usual

Everything at the hospital will continue as normal during the construction work. We are doing all we can to minimise disruption. One of our outpatients departments will relocate to a new area of the site later this year to make room for the new development but we will make sure that these changes are clearly communicated to patients and visitors.

Some footpaths in and around the hospital site that are used by local residents will be blocked or moved for safety reasons and to make way for building works. We will endeavour to keep local residents updated on changes and progress.

For more information

If you have any queries about the development works you can contact Dave Curzon, Project Manager, on 01342 414182 or email: David.Curzon@qvh.nhs.uk.