Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg, was the guest of honour at a recent ceremony to mark the start of building work on a new children’s hospital in Sheffield.
The £40m project will see the development of a three-storey extension at the existing hospital, as well as a new service yard to segregate service vehicles from patients and visitors, a new entrance to act as a focal point for the trust, and refurbishment of the existing department at two levels.
This state-of-the-art facility will provide 72 bedrooms, many of which will be en-suite and will incorporate family-friendly facilities.
As part of its long-term strategy to complement the high quality of medical care provided by the hospital, the trust approved a business case in March 2012 to modernise inpatient and outpatient accommodation on its Western Bank site. Simons Construction’s project team have been on site since July carrying out enabling works, with work due to be completed in phases, finishing in spring 2016. The existing hospital will remain in full use throughout the duration of the works.
The proposed project is intended to act as a catalyst for change within the trust and is central to the delivery of its long-term vision.
Welcoming the start of the construction, hospital chairman, Nick Jeffery, said: “We are delighted work is now underway on our wonderful new building. The new wing will be more spacious and welcoming, will make it easier for families to stay with their children, and will create an environment that is not only more fun for children, but will also aid their recovery.
“We know the new wing will benefit children from Sheffield and beyond for generations to come. It is a genuine pleasure to see the progress being made on the ground.”
The new development is being made possible with support from the community. Through the Make It Better appeal, The Children’s Hospital Charity is raising £10m towards to project. Simons has also been getting involved in fundraising, with staff knitting items for the neonatal unit.