The contract to finish the Midland Metropolitan Hospital has finally been signed by Balfour Beatty, following uncertainty when the original contractor, Carillion, went bust
Construction work will commence this month with the Midland Metropolitan Hospital expected to be open to the public in 2022.
The Midland Metropolitan Hospital project has faced several delays since the collapse of Carillion. Sever funding issues also furthered these delays but the Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust has since settled this.
Balfour Beatty was chosen as replacement contractor by Sandwell & West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust in October 2018.
Balfour Beatty will now begin with the main construction works to the hospital, including the external façade, and all associated mechanical, electrical and plumbing services, which will be delivered by Balfour Beatty Kilpatrick.
Dean Banks, chief executive officer of Balfour Beatty’s UK Construction Services business, commented: “This is a key project for the Midlands and a long-awaited moment for healthcare services in the local community.
“Following the successful completion of the Early Works phase, we are pleased that we have been entrusted to deliver the final elements of the scheme.
“Our wealth of experience and expertise will ensure that the Midland Metropolitan Hospital will service future generations for years to come.”
Richard Samuda, chairman of Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust, added: “The people of Sandwell and West Birmingham have been waiting for this hospital for too long, as have our staff who are doing an incredible job delivering health care services from some buildings that are no longer best suited for modern healthcare services.
“This news cannot come soon enough for those colleagues. Reaching this milestone is testament to the determination of Trust colleagues and leaders in partner organisations, who, with the support of cross-party political leaders, have enabled us to agree this contract to complete the hospital.”
Midland Met Hospital services
Midland Met brings together acute healthcare services for the population of Sandwell and Western Birmingham onto a single site in Smethwick, providing state-of-the-art clinical facilities and equipment, serving over 600,000 people.
Midland Met replaces acute and emergency services at Sandwell and City Hospitals. Those sites will continue providing outpatient clinics, day-case surgery and routine diagnostics. Community beds are already in place to support the new model of care. The specialist Eye Centre (BMEC) and the Birmingham Treatment Centre (BTC) remain at City. A 24/7 Urgent Care Centre will be housed on the Sandwell Hospital site with intermediate care facilities at both hospital sites.
Facilities at Sandwell are being refurbished to provide similar quality accommodation to that of the BTC and Midland Met.
