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Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust has successfully completed phase two of a programme to improve facilities at Hexham General Hospital for staff and patients

The programme is being delivered in partnership with Identity Consult and Integrated Health Projects (IHP), a joint venture between VINCI Building and Sir Robert McAlpine, as construction consultancy and principal contractor. Over the past two years, £15 million has been invested to deliver the work that has been completed to date.

Completion of phase one includes a brand-new maternity unit featuring state of the art technology to improve the birthing experience of expectant mums. The completion of phase two includes an upgraded Oncology Day unit with five treatment spaces providing a total of 16 chairs for patients. A purpose-built women’s health suite, consisting of redesigned clinical rooms with en-suite facilities and a recovery area to make one stop treatment more comfortable for its patients.

The brand-new endoscopy facility replaces the old maternity unit and features two procedure rooms, two recovery rooms as well as multiple utility rooms. The dentistry and oral surgery department has been upgraded and now consists of two major and two minor surgery rooms as well as offices for consultants. It also features a dedicated children’s area as the unit is used to treat children with additional needs.

The third and final phase of the programme will see the hospital’s current four operating theatres fully refurbished to create a fantastic, modern resource at Hexham that will support innovations like robotic surgery which is proving so successful for patients at other hospital sites managed by Northumbria Healthcare.

The work will see all four operating theatres fitted out with the most modern laminar flow systems which circulates air around the surgical area, minimising the risk of infection for patients. 

This will mean much greater flexibility and resilience for surgeons and patients at Hexham by creating an environment that can be used for both surgical and orthopaedic procedures.

Marion Dickson, executive director of nursing, midwifery and allied health professionals at Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust said: “This is a significant investment in Hexham General Hospital, the benefits of which local people will see for many years to come. The improved facilities are really impressive and will make a genuine difference to those patients that are cared for at Hexham.

“It is another example of just how innovative we are at Northumbria, exploring new technologies that improve both staff and patient experience. I would like to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to all of the teams that have been involved in delivering this for our local communities.”

Simon Allan, director at Identity Consult said: “Identity Consult has been delighted to support Northumbria Healthcare Facilities Management in project and programme delivery on this significant investment for the Trust.  It has been a truly collaborative effort involving a wide range of consultees, stakeholders, designers and contractors. 

“Perhaps the most pleasing aspect of the project to date from our perspective has been the spirit in which all parties have worked together to achieve a shared vision; the facilities now opening are fantastic and a should be a source of pride for all involved.  We are very much looking forward to continuing into the realisation of Phase 3 over the next period.”

John Ward, project manager, IHP, said: "As IHP celebrates 20 years of successfully delivering healthcare projects, the completion of phase 2 of the programme to improve facilities at Hexham General Hospital is yet another exemplar of collaboration and sets a new benchmark for future projects. It showcases the remarkable outcomes that can be realised when a team is fully engaged and aligned with a shared vision. The success of this project is a testament to the unwavering commitment of our team, the supportive culture we have fostered, and the strong relationship we have built with the clinical staff and Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust. Together, we have created a legacy that will benefit the community for years to come."