New ward and ward upgrades at North Tyneside General Hospital set to increase capacity and improve patient experience

A new general medicine ward has been opened at North Tyneside General Hospital to ease capacity challenges and improve patient experience during their time at the hospital. A further ward, focussed on supporting older people with fractures, has also been extensively refurbished.

The 26-bed and a 29-bed inpatient wards will feature ensuite shower / WC facilities and general upgrades including new doors, flooring and updated furniture. A key driving force behind the new and improved facilities was the need to improve privacy and dignity for patients and to improve infection control measures within the ward.

Previously, the space for the 29-bed ward was used as a temporary ward to support other development work that had taken place on the site. It has now been developed into a permanent space to increase capacity for general medicine patients and ease hospital pressures.

A focus on the development has also been to support the trust’s Northumbria Net Zero action plan, this includes installing LED lighting and upgrading to heat emitters. In the net zero plan the trust commits to focusing its sustainability efforts on eight key action areas to help them achieve net zero status by 2040. As part of this plan, the trust has committed to ensuring that their new developments and refurbishments are as sustainable as possible.

Simon Eaton, consultant on the new ward 25, and interim executive director for medicine at Northumbria Healthcare, said: “We’re really pleased that the work on these wards has been completed. Work began on these developments in the summer and it’s brilliant to see all the detailed planning, hard work and discussions come to fruition.

“A key driver behind these developments was about increasing capacity and easing pressure, however, we know how important it is to ensure that we make a patients stay with us as comfortable as possible, and we hope that these new facilities meet the needs of our patients.”

Jonny Watson, deputy director of commercial and capital projects at Northumbria Healthcare Facilities Management, said: “We have been delighted to support Northumbria Healthcare in this new development. We’re committed to investing in our estates and facilities to ensure that patient experience is the best it can be. We hope that the upgraded facilities and improved look of this ward will create a more positive environment for patients while they are with us.”

Rob Lees, senior project manager at CCL Solutions said: “CCL Solutions has been delighted to support Northumbria Healthcare Facilities Management in a project and programme delivery on this significant development for the trust. This new development provides patients, visitors and staff a fantastic upgraded clinical facility that addresses the client brief of additional ensuite welfare facilities, ancillary accommodation, upgraded services and building finishes to comply with stringent healthcare requirements.”

Michael Hellens, Construction Operations Manager at OPUS Building Services Limited said: “OPUS was tasked by Northumbria Healthcare to undertake significant improvements to Ward 25. Works included the full flooring replacement, full ward decoration, ceiling replacements, sanitary ware and kitchen replacements as well as mechanical and electrical alterations.

“This project was possible due to the dedication of all operatives, suppliers and subcontractors with a can-do attitude demonstrated by all involved.”