Specialist healthcare architects Medical Architecture and contractor OPUS Building Services have completed a major £1.8m upgrade to the Day Surgery unit at Alnwick Infirmary.
The project, delivered for Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, has revitalised key clinical areas, modernised infrastructure, and improved the internal environment for both staff and patients.
The scheme was originally driven by the need to replace critical air handling units serving the Endoscopy and Day Surgery Theatre, ensuring ongoing compliance with Health Building Note (HBN) and Health Technical Memorandum (HTM) guidance.
This essential work created an opportunity to undertake wider functional and environmental improvements during the planned downtime.
The scheme was originally driven by the need to replace critical air handling units serving the Endoscopy and Day Surgery Theatre
Working in partnership with M&E consultants Desco and cost consultants Turner & Townsend, Medical Architecture led a comprehensive feasibility study to assess potential enhancements within the constraints of a challenging budget and programme.
Through continuous stakeholder engagement and close collaboration with Trust clinicians, the team developed a tailored package of upgrades addressing both current operational requirements and future service resilience.
As the works progressed, further critical needs were identified through regular on-site engagement with clinical teams, allowing the scope to evolve in a way that maximised benefit while maintaining control of cost and programme implications.
The collaborative nature of the project proved instrumental in delivering the scheme on time and to specification
Further critical needs were identified through regular on-site engagement with clinical teams
Key improvements include upgrades to clinical equipment and infrastructure such as pendants, monitors, and lighting, alongside significant enhancements to air quality and environmental conditions that support staff wellbeing and patient recovery.
Recovery spaces have been reconfigured and improved, providing a more comfortable, efficient, and hygienic setting for patient care.
In addition, the internal aesthetic has been refreshed with new ceilings and updated finishes throughout.
The interior strategy was developed in consultation with stakeholders, aligning specifications with recent Trust estate refurbishments to simplify future maintenance and deliver long-term cost efficiencies.
The collaborative nature of the project proved instrumental in delivering the scheme on time and to specification
Alex Ferguson, Architect at Medical Architecture, said: “We understood the importance of efficient delivery, as returning the Day Surgery to operation was critical to a programme of work elsewhere in the estate. A close partnership and continuous communication between all parties was fundamental to achieving this.”
Craig Ternent, Operational Services Manager at Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, added: “The recent refurbishment of Alnwick Day Surgery has marked a significant milestone in our commitment to delivering high-quality patient care. The successful refurbishment is a testament to the collaboration of all teams involved. Staff and patient feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.”
Top image: Alnwick Infirmary Day Image credit: Medical Architecture