The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust (SaTH) in the UK has entered a new design and build contract with Integrated Health Projects (IHP) for the construction of a contemporary four-storey building at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital (RSH) site.
IHP is a joint venture (JV) between VINCI Building and Sir Robert McAlpine.
The agreement aims to enhance hospital services across Shropshire, Telford, Wrekin, and mid-Wales regions and is a cornerstone of the Hospitals Transformation Programme.
This project was secured through the UK Government’s P23 framework and represents the county's largest investment in hospital services to date.
Based on the input from clinicians, the plans have been developed to ensure that the Princess Royal Hospital (PRH) in Telford focuses on delivering planned care, while RSH will concentrate on emergency services.
SaTH said that preparatory works, including enabling works, are already in progress at the RSH site.
The new building will be situated near the former outpatients' entrance, complemented by the remodelling of the existing emergency department (ED).
It will house emergency care, women and children's services, and critical care facilities.
The Trust's designs will feature modern healthcare spaces, an internal atrium, external balconies, and single ensuite bedrooms.
AHR is responsible for the architectural design, with DSSR handling mechanical and electrical engineering, and Ramboll as the structural engineer.
SaTH stated that the new clinical model promises year-round planned care services at PRH, aiming to reduce operation cancellations and delays.
Urgent care services will be available around the clock at both hospital sites, catering to the needs of the majority of patients who currently visit PRH's ED.
A new, purpose-built ED at RSH will facilitate faster patient care by centralising clinical specialities.
Meanwhile, extensive planning has been undertaken to manage changes to entrances and parking facilities, minimising disruption to patients, staff, visitors, and the community.
Construction will be phased in to further mitigate the impact.
The completion and operationalisation of the new building are anticipated by 2028.
SaTH chief executive Jo Williams said: “The clinically led HTP plans at RSH will address our most pressing clinical challenges and establish solid and sustainable foundations upon which to make further improvements across all our hospitals.
“I look forward to seeing this significant construction progress as we continue to keep local communities and clinicians involved at every stage to help build a positive experience for everyone.”
