Deal signed to build 60-bed unit at Northampton General Hospital

The new hub, located at Northampton General Hospital, comprises a three-storey ward block containing two 30-bed wards (one for males and one females) and an assessment unit, with parking a ground floor level.

Patients admitted will be of the same type that are currently admitted to the Emergency Assessment Unit.

Deborah Needham, NGH’s chief operating officer, said: “This new development and the additional beds and assessment area it brings will help us meet an immediate need to ensure our patients are safe and well cared for.

“We will be working closely with the contractor to ensure any disruption is kept to a minimum for both our patients and our staff whilst the work is underway.”

The new block will be situated directly in front of the main hospital entrance and the A&E department, linking to the existing hospital at first floor level. A bridge will be in place to maintain existing traffic routes.

Interserve, the contractor appointed, has pledged to maintain access to hospital facilities at all times.

Divisional director Richard Scarrott, said: “We are looking forward to delivering such a high-profile project and will be using our experience of working within operational hospital environments to ensure minimal disruption for patients, clinicians, staff and visitors.”

Work is due to start in November, with completion scheduled for July next year.

In March, Dr Sonia Swart, the chief executive, said the block would give extra capacity for emergency patients, but it would also mean A&E patients would not be taking up beds in other wards.

One of the main reasons that operations are cancelled is because emergency patients have to be put in other departments.

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