The first image of Southend Hospital’s multi-million pound redevelopment plan has been released by the master planners of the scheme, LSI Architects.
Hospital chiefs said they were relieved the first hurdle had been cleared but warned that it is the first of many obstacles to face. David Walsh, director of facilities at the hospital, said: “This is the first step in what is going to be a long, drawn-out process. The plan is to make sure we have new and better facilities before we remove any existing ones. It is the 75th anniversary of the hospital this year and some of the buildings have been around since then.”
Trust chief executive John Gilham added: “The plan provides us with a phased approach to improving our facilities which will allow us to re-assess the impact of healthcare changes on our proposals throughout the process, as well as on the facilities we need. This is more important now than ever before in a changing healthcare environment.”
David Andrews, principal member of LSI Architects, said: “We have been working closely with the hospital to develop a joined-up strategy for the future, with careful consideration of the impact of the proposals to maintain facilities during the future construction phases and minimise any inconvenience to patients and staff. An ongoing process of stakeholder and community consultation has included presentations, open days and questionnaires.”
The biggest addition to the hospital will be the £53 million five-storey extension to the Cardigan Wing, to accommodate general medical wards and critical care facilities within 15,000 m2 of new floor space. The new extension will enable the upgrading of existing wards to offer patients greater privacy and access to improved facilities, along with improved staff support spaces.
The proposals also include significant extensions of the Prittlewell Wing and the Carlingford Wing.
One of the biggest benefits for patients and visitors will be the planned car park and new internal road to deal with growing traffic and parking problems.
