The initial phases of Bay Field Hospital have been handed over to Swansea Bay University Health Board (SBUHB), which will see 420 beds now available to support the NHS in its response to Covid-19
Appointed by Swansea Council on behalf of SBUHB, Kier and its supply chain, alongside TRJ have constructed the new Bay Field Hospital setting within the film studios.
Working collaboratively over the past month, the space has been transformed, with facilities parallel to any other hospital setting.
The first phases are now complete, with a further 540 beds set to be delivered as part of subsequent phases.
Vaughan Gething, Wales’ minister for health and social services and Swansea Council leader Rob Stewart celebrated the initial phases being complete. At the peak of construction, teams were working 24/7 to construct the new building and install infrastructure, including bolstering heating, electricity and water supplies.
More than 700km of cabling has been used, that would stretch from Swansea to Edinburgh, 12 football pitches could be covered with the insulation sheets that have been used and if the project’s silicone sealant was squeezed out, a person could climb up and down Mount Everest three times.
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Jason Taylor, operations director for Kier Regional Building Western & Wales, said: “We are extremely proud to have been a part of the team that has delivered the first phases of this vital local facility.
“It has been a truly collaborative effort, working with Swansea Council, our supply chain, partner TRJ and others for SBUHB, this new hospital setting is now ready to help support the NHS in its fight against Covid-19.
“In just over a month, our teams have worked together swiftly, safely with skill and commitment to construct this new field hospital – it has been collaboration at its best, at time when it has been needed the most.”
Swansea Council leader Rob Stewart said: “Only four weeks ago Bay Studios looked like what it was, a linked series of huge drafty factory units dating back around 70 years.
“We’re all proud to have done our bit to deliver an exceptional new space for the NHS to support them in their efforts to save lives. This is partnership working at its very best.
“I thank all involved, including staff from the council, contractors, health board and Roy Thomas who owns the site and worked with us swiftly to agree on a lease. I also thank Neath Port Talbot Council as this facility is just over our border on their patch.”
