‘Ground-breaking’ children’s research unit opened

The new building is dedicated to research and clinical trials into treatments for children, and is described as “representing a milestone in the fight against childhood disease”. The three-bed day unit includes a treatment room, bathroom, utility, domestic store, play area, staff base, kitchen, reception, two consulting rooms and several other support facilities. It will enable doctors and other Trust health professionals to undertake advanced research in a dedicated, fully resourced area designed to improve the health of children in England.

Architect Tim Robinson said: “This is a very exciting, forward-looking scheme. The challenge has been to produce a design which delivers a ground-breaking facility within the confines of the hospital’s limited existing framework.” Opening the facility, Alan Johnson said: The new clinical research facility at Sheffield Children’s Hospital is a great example of community partnership, bringing together the university, the hospital and industry.”

Race Cottam Associates’ experience in the health sector includes major schemes for Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, including cardiac expansion, critical care and pathology services. It has also worked with Nottingham Queen’s Medical Centre, Rotherham General Hospital and a variety of primary care trusts.