Dorset County Hospital (DCH) has selected Tilbury Douglas as its main contractor to design and build a new emergency department and critical care unit.
The scheme is listed as part of the government’s New Hospital Programme (NHP), which commits to building 40 new hospitals by 2030.
DCH has submitted an outline planning application seeking permission for the new facility to be built on the former Damers School site, which forms part of the trust’s estate.
The existing A&E sees twice the number of people that it was originally built for. And, with a growing population, increased tourism, and the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for critical care services has never been higher.
The new building would offer the space needed to help the trust continue to serve the local community over the next 25 years.
Linking to the existing hospital, the layout for the emergency department would be designed to improve patient flow through the department, with dedicated areas for majors, minor injuries, and paediatrics.
The critical care unit would sit directly above the new department, allowing the Trust to increase its number of critical care beds from 11 to 24, plus add a new helipad onto the roof.
DCH used the ProCure22 procurement process to select its principal supply chain partner.
Subject to planning permission and agreement from the Government, it is hoped that construction will begin in 2024.
Paul Goddard, chief financial officer at Dorset County Hospital and project sponsor for the trust’s NHP scheme, said: “We’re delighted to have chosen Tilbury Douglas as the main contractor for a new emergency department and critical careu at Dorset County Hospital.
“What really makes them stand out is their clinical knowledge and passion for creating a building that meets the needs of our patients, staff and visitors.
“This really is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to expand our hospital and make sure we can continue to offer outstanding care to patients for years to come.”
Paul Gale, divisional director at Tilbury Douglas, added: “We are proud to have been selected to deliver such an important project that will really benefit the local community for generations to come.
“Having previously delivered the Robert White Centre Radiology Building for the trust in 2018, our proven track record and knowledge of the hospital will enable us to move ahead with this scheme with a strong understating of the clinical needs of the trust.”
