Taking a look inside the UK’s newest healthcare facility as it prepares to open to the public, a group of MPs, councillors and local authority leaders were welcomed to the state-of-the-art Midland Metropolitan University Hospital – just 15 days before it will receive the first patient.
They heard how the colourful building, which will be run by Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust boasts 736 beds – half of which are single ensuite rooms – a winter garden, and high spec robot technology.
Seriously unwell patients will be treated at the facility, whilst outpatient appointments, short stay surgery and other community-based treatments will stay in parts of the former Sandwell and City Hospital sites which will continue to the run by the Trust.
Welcoming the guests to the main reception area on level five, Sir David Nicholson, Chairman for the organisation said: “Today is a key moment in the Midland Met story. An opportunity for us to show it off to those who helped bring it to life. Everyone here today deserves thanks for being part of the collaboration that delivered this building.
“Now all we have to do is introduce it to the population we built it for. I have no doubt this hospital and all she stands for will become a landmark across the west of Birmingham, and I greatly look forward to the exciting days ahead.” Sir David’s words were followed by a blessing from the organisation’s chaplaincy team, led by the Rev. Eddie Briones and supported by his colleagues from the Hindu, Muslim, Humanist and Sikh faiths.
Guests at the event also heard from Richard Beeken, Chief Executive for the Trust and Rachel Barlow, Managing Director for the Midland Metropolitan University Hospital Programme Company.
They shared more about the hospital’s impact across the community both in terms of redevelopment, regeneration, and sustainability. Richard commented on the efforts of colleagues across the organisation and those who recognised opportunities to further develop the Midland Met Health Campus, such as building a Learning Campus on site to provide higher and further education, apprenticeships, and work experience opportunities.
Rachel added: “Regeneration in the area will include affordable new homes on the former City Hospital site, and redevelopment of what is known as the Smethwick to Birmingham corridor.
“There will be energy efficient lighting, solar panels and combined heat and power systems – all reducing carbon emissions and energy costs amongst other initiatives.”
The hospital combines two accident and emergency departments from Sandwell and City Hospitals, bringing staff together and leading to more efficient care. There will be an increased number of senior decision makers on site 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Sandwell Hospital accident and emergency department will close on 6 October, with patients being taken to the new emergency department at The Midland Met. Inpatients will also be transferred over in a carefully planned move.
City Hospital patients will follow from 10 November, with the A&E department closing on that date.
For more information about The Midland Met go to: https://www.swbh.nhs.uk/our-new-hospital/midland-metropolitan-university-hospital/