The £1.8 m ‘transformation’ was designed by Medical Architecture for Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, with the works delivered by OPUS Building Services, and the project driven by the need to replace air-handling units for the Endoscopy and Day Surgery Theatre to ensure compliance with HBN and HTM guidance. In collaboration with M&E consultants, Desco, and cost consultants, Turner and Townsend, Medical Architecture led a feasibility study to explore options for progressing various other functional and environmental improvements during the required downtime.
Through a partnership approach with the Trust, and continuous stakeholder engagement, the team developed ‘a tailored package’ of improvements to meet the clinical team’s specific needs, ‘set against a challenging budget and programme’. The project’s collaborative nature ensured the impact on cost and programme was monitored and managed effectively
The outcome is an improved working environment for clinicians, with upgrades to equipment and infrastructure – including pendants, monitors, and lighting. The improved air quality and environmental conditions support wellbeing, both for staff, and for patients in the dedicated recovery spaces. New ceilings and updated finishes also feature throughout. The interior strategy was devised with stakeholder input with a focus on standardising specifications and finishes against recent work on the Trust’s estate, making it simpler to manage, and more cost- effective to maintain long term.