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Berwick Hospital development

Update on new Berwick Hospital

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Temporary changes to inpatient care at Berwick Hospital as building work progresses

The building of the new £35 million hospital in Berwick-upon-Tweed is now at a stage where changes to inpatient care are needed to ensure that the new hospital will open on schedule towards the end of 2024.

A new temporary 10-bed inpatient ward will be installed in the maternity car park while the hospital works continue. This is necessary to ensure that patients can remain on the hospital site in Berwick rather than be cared for elsewhere in Northumberland.

Some patients that would usually be admitted to Berwick Infirmary will be cared for in Alnwick depending on their clinical need.

Relocation of the ward will ensure the best completion date so that people from Berwick and other local communities can access the new 20-bed hospital as quickly as possible.

Maternity, oncology, ambulatory care and minor injury unit services will remain within the Berwick Infirmary building and will not be affected.

Northumbria Healthcare is working with Northumberland County Council to ensure that maternity patients have access to parking nearby.

Once the frame of the new hospital is up, stairs and floors will be installed along with an accessible rooftop. The building will be clad and glazed externally to weatherproof it and the building will be fitted out.

Finally, the remaining old hospital buildings will be demolished, the car park and access roads will be built, and landscaping work completed.

Read more about the developments at Berwick hospital

Get in touch if you would like to tell us about a health or social care service you or a loved one have used.

dental services Berwick

Dental services in Berwick

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With the MyDentist practice in Castlegate closing at the end of September 2022, we have been hearing concerns from patients in Berwick about the provision of NHS dental services.

NHS England has given us the following messages for residents of Berwick and the wider area.

  • NHS England is acutely aware of the difficulties patients are experiencing in accessing NHS dental care following the closure of the practice in Berwick.
  • NHS England is looking at short term solutions to increase access for patients requiring urgent dental care whilst it works on the longer-term solution of securing a new NHS provider in Berwick, both of which are dependent on the availability of the dental workforce.
  • Berwick has not been forgotten and NHS England is trying hard to find alternative dentists or services to fill the gap. This includes approaching dentists in other parts of the county to see if they can offer any additional capacity.
  • In the meantime, the best advice is to use NHS111 for urgent or emergency treatment. If after clinical triage, your dental problem is not assessed as being clinically urgent, you will be asked to contact an NHS dental practice and/or given self-care advice until an appointment can be offered.
  • When contacting an NHS dental practice it is important that you tell the practice up front what the problem is so that they can determine the urgency of the dental need. NHS England is asking dental providers to prioritise those patients in greatest need into their available appointment slots.
  • NHS dental providers will soon be required update the NHS website with availability of NHS provision as part of some recently announced reforms.
  • Other changes to come out of the dental contract reform programme include making it easier for practices to use the skills of dental therapists and hygienists to undertake some of the work currently done by dentists. This will free up dentist time to focus on patients with more complex treatment needs.
  • The frequency in which you need to attend a dentist for a check-up is based on your oral health – if your teeth and gums are healthy, you may not need to attend as often and this could be up to two years for those with good oral health.

Here at Healthwatch Northumberland we will continue to monitor the experience of patients in the area, make NHS England aware of ongoing issues and press for positive outcomes.

If you would like to tell us about your experiences of dental services please get in touch.

 

David’s at the helm of new Berwick hospital

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From Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust:

A project manager has been appointed to drive forward the building of the new £25million hospital in Berwick.

David Smailes will oversee all aspects of the development which is set to transform healthcare in the area and be erected on the site of the existing Berwick Infirmary. Northumberland-born and bred, David has more than 40 years’ experience in the civil engineering and construction industry and has led a number of large national projects.

Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust’s planning application is due to be decided by Northumberland County Council on Tuesday 1 December.

David, who was born in Alnwick and lives in Warkworth, said “I’m really excited to be part of the team building the new hospital in Berwick and the significance of this development for the town, the surrounding area, and the trust is clear from the short time I have been in post.

“My uncle Joseph was a barber in Berwick for many years so I feel I have a connection with the place and therefore it’s extra special to be involved in this project and spending time there once again.

“This hospital is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make a massive difference to the lives of people for generations to come and I am proud to be working with such a dedicated, experienced and knowledgeable team.”

David, 56, added “I fully appreciate the importance of working collaboratively with the local community on developments of this magnitude and I would like to reassure residents and all partners that we will keep everyone updated throughout this process.

“While it will be challenging to build a new hospital at the same time as keeping the existing one operational, every one of the team is committed to doing just that and ensuring we continue to keep our staff safe and deliver high quality care for our patients at all times.”

If given the go-ahead, the two-storey hospital will re-provide all the existing services and embrace the latest technology to improve care for patients. It will accommodate Well Close Medical Group which will pave the way for further integration between GPs and the hospital for the benefit of patients.

Executive Director Marion Dickson, who is leading the Berwick redevelopment project for the trust, said “We are delighted to have David at the helm as we reach the stage of having a dedicated project manager for our new hospital. He has vast experience in this field and, having links to the town, is aware of the background and the need to more forward as quickly as we can.

“We will continue to keep you updated and can assure you that, as soon as we are granted planning permission, we will advance to the next stage of the development by demolishing the parts of the infirmary which we have vacated, to make way for the new hospital.”

Patients with appointments at Berwick Infirmary are encouraged to attend as normal in the run-up to, and construction of, the new hospital, and during Covid-19.

Berwick Infirmary

Trust seeks planning approval for new Berwick hospital

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Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust has submitted a planning application for the new multi-million-pound hospital in Berwick. The trust is seeking permission from Northumberland County Council for the two-storey integrated hospital on the site of the existing infirmary. If planning approval is granted, the building will have a central atrium/reception space and accommodate all the existing services and Well Close Medical Group.

The submission of the planning application follows extensive engagement with staff, residents and community groups with more than 95 per cent of people involved in this process supporting the proposals. The trust is also assuring the local community that the £25million earmarked for this facility is still available and the funding has not been affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

Marion Dickson, executive director at Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, who is leading the Berwick redevelopment project, said “We are absolutely delighted that our plans for a new hospital in Berwick have moved forward with the submission of our planning application. We have been working towards formally seeking planning permission for some months and we would like to thank the local community for their invaluable input in this engagement – to have had such a positive response to our proposals is excellent.

“While the NHS has faced many challenges in recent months, we can assure local people that there is no doubt over the funding for the new hospital and the £25million set aside is intact. We are also confident that the project can be delivered within this budget and we look forward to the next stage of this exciting development.”

More than 200 people attended a drop-in session in the town in March to view the new hospital proposals with more than 100 people giving feedback as part of the online planning consultation after a further drop-in session could not be held due to government restrictions. Alongside this process, the trust has undertaken extensive engagement on all clinical aspects of the hospital, with clinical teams having a major input into its design to ensure it supports an improved experience for patients and is fit for the future.

The hospital’s modern design incorporates sustainability and efficiency in the final choice of materials and will embrace the latest technology in delivering the highest quality of care. The existing Bell Tower is retained as part of the plans and the trust is looking into its potential use for the community. Services will continue to be provided throughout this process and the winning images from the photography competition are set to be placed on the hoardings in the coming weeks.

The target completion date for the new hospital is spring 2022.

View plans for Berwick Hospital

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The public are being given the opportunity to view plans for the newhospital in Berwick on Wednesday 11 March. Northumbria Healthcare released this message this week:

 

Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is sharing its proposals at drop-in sessions, hosted by Berwick Regeneration Commission, at the Town Hall from 11.00am – 4.00pm and 5.00pm – 7.00pm.

Staff from the trust will be on hand to showcase the architect’s proposals for the development on the existing Berwick Infirmary site before a formal planning application is submitted to Northumberland County Council. Teams at the infirmary have had a major input into the design of the new state-of-the-art hospital to ensure that it supports an improved experience for patients and is fit for the future.

The new hospital will re-provide all the existing services and embrace the latest technology. It is planned that Well Close Medical Group will be part of the development which will pave the way for further integration between primary care (the GPs) and secondary care (the hospital). Patients from the practice are also welcome to come along to the sessions to give their thoughts on the proposed relocation of the surgery.

Marion Dickson, executive director for nursing, midwifery, allied health professionals, surgery and community services at Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, is leading the Berwick redevelopment project. She said “We know that local people are very keen to see our plans for the new Berwick hospital and we are pleased to be able to confirm the date for our drop-in sessions. We hope that as many people as possible, including patients of Well Close Medical Group, will take this opportunity to come along and have a first glimpse of the proposals before we submit our planning application.”

Preparations are already well underway for the new build on the northern end of the existing infirmary site with departments moved to elsewhere on the site, and the car park next to the maternity unit is being resurfaced over the next two weeks. Pedestrian access to the maternity and physiotherapy departments will be maintained via the High Greens Road entrance however parking at the main hospital is available as usual during this work.

In the meantime, the trust is reminding patients with an appointment at Berwick Infirmary to attend as normal, however, report to the reception within medical records to be redirected to their waiting area.

Subject to planning approval, construction will start on site in the autumn with an expected completion date for the new hospital of spring 2022.

Anne-Marie Trevelyan, MP for Berwick, said “The new hospital in Berwick will be a massive boost to the town and surrounding areas and is hugely anticipated by the local community. I’m delighted that the public is being given the opportunity next month to see the plans and would encourage residents to go along to the drop-in sessions at the Town Hall.”

Berwick Spirituality and Recovery Group

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This group, from Northumberland Tyne & Wear NHS Foundation Trust explores how spirituality can help recovery from mental health issues. The sessions are for people of all faiths and none.

The sessions take place at Northern Soul Cafe in Berwick upon Tweed, on the following Mondays between 2.00pm and 4.00pm:

28 October, 4, 11, 18 and 25 November

Attendance is free but please book a place in advance by calling: 01289 301301.

 

 

 

External view of Berwick Infirmary

Northumbria Healthcare announces site of new Berwick hospital

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Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust – in partnership with NHS Northumberland Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) – today announced the £25million investment in a new stand-alone hospital for Berwick will be located on the site of the current Infirmary.

The decision comes after both organisations listened to, and reflected on, local views on previous proposals to develop a joint site with the Swan Centre for Leisure. Following this feedback, and a review of the alternative options, a conclusion has been reached to develop a new hospital on the existing site.

“We are delighted to be able to announce that the new hospital will be built on the site of the much loved (Berwick) Infirmary,” said Northumbria Healthcare CEO Sir James Mackey. “Following extensive joint public engagement, and a thorough review of all alternative sites, we believe this is the best option which also commands the support of both staff and the community – a factor which is very important to both the trust and the CCG. It is clear that the joint development was not what the town wanted. Instead, people demonstrated their support for a stand-alone hospital on the current site. Accordingly, we have listened, responded and worked together to come up with this plan as an alternative.”

Janet Guy, chair of Northumberland CCG agreed, saying: “This is great news for Berwick and we are delighted to see the project moving forward in a way that meets the needs of the local community. Patients are at the heart of our services and this decision is as a direct result of the feedback we have heard. We very much look forward to working with Northumbria Healthcare to provide a first class health facility for the people of Berwick. It’s very exciting and is brilliant news for both the NHS and the town.”

Both the trust and the CCG emphasised that the full £25million allocated for the project would be invested on the new hospital.

“It’s too early to have specific plans in place – though we are in preliminary talks with a number of possible developers – but we are working quickly to ensure we have plans to share as soon as possible,” continued Sir James.  “In particular we’ve listened to the local community’s concerns that they have to travel too far, too often, for relatively minor or routine appointments. As such, eradicating the need to travel for minor or routine appointments will be a driving force behind our plans and we will ensure we track and publish the number of miles patients have to travel on a yearly basis, with a clear aim to make significant reductions in this travel for patients.”

“The design will focus on flexibility, embracing new technology and, most importantly, ensuring outstanding care,” said Janet. “The emphasis will be on delivering as much as we safely can as close to patients as possible – including in primary care; the opportunities for which we are very excited about.”

The new hospital will represent the very latest in design and be ‘future proofed’; with all current services being retained and with a view to incorporating more where safe to do so.

“We fully expect that the new hospital will adapt and evolve over time – the NHS is ever-changing after all,” said Sir James. “I can confirm that all the services currently provided at the Infirmary will continue. In addition, I can also assure residents that we are looking very closely at what might safely be added – especially with the aid of new technology and ways of working – for instance, telemedicine. On a personal note, I would like to thank staff and the community for their patience and participation throughout this process. I know it’s been a long and sometimes frustrating road – a sentiment I share – but this is a big, positive step forward. Now we have a plan in place we are absolutely determined to get on with it. To that end, I very much look forward to working with the people of the town and surrounding area as we start work on the next phase.”

supporting young women

Berwick Youth Project supporting Period Poverty

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49% of girls have missed a full day of school due to their period.

One in ten girls have been unable to afford sanitary wear.

Berwick Youth Project will be offering free sanitary protection for young women aged 13-25 in the area, with donations from the Food Bank @ Berwick Community Trust, The Red Box Project North Northumberland, and Tesco Berwick.  The aim is to provide a safe and confidential environment for girls to collect free sanitary protection.

Look out for our ‘TIME OF THE MONTH’ Logo.  Help us spread the word.

For more information contact Berwick Youth Project.

 

 

 

Berwick towin from the bridge

Berwick Hospital Drop-in Session

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People are being invited to a drop-in session next Thursday 27 September, to give their views on plans for hospital and leisure development in Berwick.

Representatives from Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and Northumberland County Council will be at The Swan Centre from 10.00am to 12.00pm to listen to people’s views and answer any questions.

A spokesperson for the trust and council says: “We’re fully aware that some local people have concerns about co-locating a hospital and leisure centre on one site and we’d encourage residents to come along and talk to us about them so we can better understand how they feel.

“Ahead of the session we’d like to reassure people that the funding for the new hospital is secure as is the funding for the new leisure centre. We look forward to meeting people on the day.”

Visit the Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust website for more information.

Events

Audiology Cinic drop-in Berwick – Union Brae

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As part of our work to find out people’s experiences of using audiology services, we will be at the audiology clinic in Berwick talking to those using the services. We will be asking people with hearing loss a few questions to find out what is working well for them and what could be improved.

 

Audiology drop-in Berwick

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As part of our work to find out people’s experiences of using audiology services, we will be at Berwick Library talking to those using the services. We will be asking people with hearing loss a few questions to find out what is working well for them and what could be improved.

 

Carers Rights Day 2018

Carers Rights Day 2018

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Are you a carer? Do you know your rights?

Come along to this Carers Rights Day event which this year has the theme ‘Caring for your Future’.

There will be lots of information and advice on:

Carers Rights, Paying for Care, Welfare Rights, Employment, Local Carer Support and much more.

Stall holders include: Healthwatch Northumberland, Welfare Rights Unit, Adult Services, Age UK, Alzheimer’s Society, Citizens Advice Bureau, Hospice Care North Northumberland, Bridge Project, Northumberland Cancer Awareness, NTW mental Health services, Escape Family Support.

Try a relaxing therapy or a craft and have a cuppa with a Key Worker.

Shelves of coloured books

Berwick Library Drop-In

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We will be at Berwick Library on Wednesday 10 October 1.00pm to 4.00pm, listening to local people about their experiences of health and social care services, as part of Northumberland Libraries health and wellbeing week.

Come and say hello to the team and tell us what you think of services in your area.

View of Berwick town from the bridge

Public Drop-in Session for Berwick Hospital Plans

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People are being invited to a drop-in session next Thursday, 27 September to give their views on plans for hospital and leisure development in Berwick.
Representatives from Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and Northumberland County Council will be at the The Swan Centre from 10am to 12pm to listen to people’s views and answer any questions.A spokesperson for the trust and council said: “We’re fully aware that some local people have concerns about co-locating a hospital and leisure centre on one site and we’d encourage residents to come along and talk to us about them so we can better understand how they feel.

“Ahead of the session we’d like to reassure people that the funding for the new hospital is secure as is the funding for the new leisure centre. We look forward to meeting people on the day.”

We will be there to listen to people’s reactions to what they see and hear on the day.

gloved hands cupping a warm drink

Winter Warmer Event – Berwick

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The annual Winter Warmer events from Ageing Well in Northumberland provide information on how to stay safe and well this winter, with organisations present from your local community.  The events are free and friendly – come along for a cuppa and a chat.

If you would like more information about this event please contact Sarah Aisbitt on: saisbitt@activenorthumberland.org.uk.

MS Society logo

MS Society Open Evening

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Coming Together

The MS Society is holding a consultation session in Berwick for anyone affected by MS.

For more details please contact: sheila.greenwood@mssociety.org.uk.

 

Group of volunteers

Volunteer and Wellbeing Fair – Berwick upon Tweed

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If you’ve ever thought about doing some volunteering or just want to feel a bit better in 2018, then come along to find out more about opportunities for you to get involved in things happening near to you. The event is brought to you by Northumberland CVA and as well as Healthwatch Northumberland, there’ll be all sorts of local organisations there including: Tyneside & Northumberland Mind, Northumbria Cancer Patient and Carer Group, Cygnus Support, Northumbria Police, Berwick Animal Rescue, Northumberland County Blind Association, Citizens Advice Bureau and many more.

For more information contact Northumberland CVA on: 01670 858688 or email: michelle.cadby@northumberlandcva.org.uk.