Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust has appointed BAM Construction to create a new MRI suite, 24-bed Haematology Oncology Ward and associated facilities
The new hospital building will be a three-storey extension to the existing Trelawny Wing, with the MRI suite connected at lower ground floor level to the imaging department and designed to contain up to three scanners.
The new Lowen Ward, “Lowen” (a modern Cornish vocabulary word meaning “joyful”) will be a 24-bed ward that specialises in looking after haematology, oncology and palliative patients.
It will also care for patients who need to be isolated as part of their treatment with specially ventilated rooms dedicated to this purpose.
The £30m development in Treliske, Truro, is being funded via national NHS capital funding streams and delivered via the government’s capital framework for healthcare in England known as Procure 22. This framework allows for a competitive process from an approved range of contactors.
Work on the main building phase of the project will commence on site shortly using new methods BAM has adopted in order to create social distancing and operate safely during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Initial enabling works were completed at the end of January 2021, with full completion of the scheme by autumn 2022.
Key partners for the scheme include architects Stride Treglown, structural engineers Arup and mechanical & electrical providers Hoare Lea.
BAM’s own design practice has provided peer review services.
BAM will be implementing an employment and skills plan on the project to create both local employment and training opportunities alongside upskilling the workforce.
‘Providing important diagnostic and treatment services’
Graham Kingdon, construction director at BAM, said: “We’ve been on-site conducting minor works for the Trust over the last couple of years so we have formed a good understanding and relationship with them and our partners in advance of the major works commencing.
“We will have to keep the hospital fully functional during this time despite the technical challenges.
“As ever, communication between us is critical to achieve exactly what the Trust needs to provide the right services for people across Cornwall into the future.
“I’m pleased to say that we’re local here too and it means a great deal to us to be involved.”
Roberta Fuller, head of hospital reconfiguration at Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust, added: “RCHT is delighted to be working in partnership with BAM on the new MRI suite and Haematology/Oncology Unit.
“This new building will be of great benefit to the people of Cornwall; providing important diagnostic and treatment services in a modern, high quality environment.
“One of the reasons for selecting BAM to work with us at RCHT was their extensive experience and reach within the construction industry.
“Being able to source the best possible advice and expertise in a timely manner has been critical in the design and ongoing delivery of this project. These new facilities will provide a much-improved space for both patients and staff.”
