NHS Property Services (NHSPS ) has acquired and fit out the new ambulance base for Connect North West, a neonatal transportation service.
Connect North West was delivered by Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT), North West Neonatal Operational Delivery Network, and St John Ambulance.
The new base is now open for use
NHSPS procured a design team and contractors to create a facility that meets the specific needs of the neonatal transport service
NHS England identified the need for a new site and, in response to the higher activity levels NHSPS secured a lease on the new unit, as well as £1m in capital funding for the required upgrades.
Working closely with MFT, NHSPS procured a design team and contractors to create a facility that meets the specific needs of the neonatal transport service.
The ground floor of the unit houses:
- Four ambulances
- An incubator service/store area
- A deep clean facility
- An education room and a quiet room
For NHS staff the new unit includes:
- A kitchen
- Changing rooms
- Showers and WCs
Throughout the project, NHSPS held regular meetings with the customers to ensure they were updated. Further, NHSPS will provide full property management services at the new site, ensuring that it remains a top-tier facility.
The move to this new, purpose-built facility will allow for more efficiency and flexibility. Finally, the relocation will free up valuable space at Liverpool Women's Hospital and St. Mary’s Hospital, further benefiting patient care in the region.
For seven years, our trust has proudly run Connect Northwest
Mark Lloyd, Regional Capital Projects Lead at NHSPS, said: "We’re truly proud of this partnership with MFT and the many benefits the new site will bring for patients. Its projects such as this, underscore NHSPS's commitment to supporting the NHS and enhancing healthcare infrastructure across the UK."
Kathy Cowell OBE DL, Chairman of Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, said: "For seven years, our trust has proudly run Connect Northwest, which manages to care for over 2000 babies' year. Alfie is just one of many who have been supported by this transportation network, and it was so moving to hear of the profound impact that this has had on his and his mother’s life."
Top image: NHS representatives and ambulance staff at the opening of the new ambulance base Image credit: NHSPS
