New plans to transform the Emergency Department (ED) at Manchester Royal Infirmary (MRI) have been given go-ahead by Manchester City Council
The £40m renovation project will boost the capabilities of MRI, which is a Major Trauma Centre for Greater Manchester and part of Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT).
This includes increased capacity, and a more streamlined layout to ensure patients continue to receive high-quality emergency treatment and care in an improved environment.
Plans include the creation of six new operating theatres, which will support the hospital’s developing role as a regional centre for specialist surgery. Upgraded facilities will include an expanded and improved emergency department, including 10 (up from 6) resuscitation bays and 27 (up from 16) majors cubicles.
Integrated Health Projects (IHP), an established joint venture between Vinci Construction UK and Sir Robert McAlpine, has been appointed as construction partner for the new build development.
Temporary changes to the department’s access and layout will be put in place to ensure it can continue to operate fully throughout the works. In total, construction is expected to take just over three years to complete.
Construction is expected to start later in the year.
Manchester is a ‘rapidly developing city’
Vanessa Gardener, chief executive of MRI, said: “The new operating theatres will likewise enable us to modernise our surgical facilities and support our growing role as regional centre for emergency, major trauma, vascular, head and neck cancer, liver, transplant and other specialist surgery.
“With Manchester City Council’s approval, we look forward to carrying out the delicate and carefully planned work to make this concept a reality, while continuing to deliver high standards of care for our patients throughout the construction process.”
Julia Bridgewater, chief operating officer at MFT, said: “MFT is the largest NHS Trust in England, with ten hospitals and a wide spread of clinical specialisms.
“These plans for MRI ED have been thoughtfully considered to best work in co-ordination with our other hospitals, and incorporate the capabilities of these different fields.
“This major transformation project will mean patients presenting at the MRI ED can be seen by the right people and receive the right treatment quicker in a much-improved patient environment.”
