View plans for Berwick Hospital
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.”
