The major expansion of Royal Shrewsbury Hospital has reached its full structural height, marking the completion of the building’s main frame and the start of the next phase of construction.
The project forms a central element of The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust’s (SaTH) Hospitals Transformation Programme, which aims to modernise acute services and improve patient flow across the Trust’s hospital estate.
Construction is being delivered by VINCI Building and is scheduled to open in 2028.
Once complete, the new facility will provide approximately 27,000 sqm of additional clinical space.
Expanded clinical capacity
The development will accommodate a range of acute services, including emergency care, critical care, acute medicine, and Women and Children’s services.
The co-location of these functions is intended to support faster decision-making and improved operational efficiency.
A significantly expanded Emergency Department is a key feature of the scheme, providing increased capacity, improved ambulance access and covered transfer areas to support patient arrivals in all weather conditions.
The building will connect directly to existing hospital infrastructure, allowing services to operate more closely together while maintaining continuity of care during construction.
Design and wellbeing considerations
The Trust engaged local residents and patients to provide feedback on interior design features such as colour schemes and artwork.
The new four-storey structure includes sky gardens on upper levels, designed to introduce natural light and outdoor space into the clinical environment.
These areas will be accessible to patients, visitors and staff.
An upgraded main entrance and arrival area is also being delivered as part of the scheme, with the aim of improving wayfinding and accessibility for patients and visitors.
Construction progress
A topping-out ceremony was held on site to mark the milestone, attended by Trust representatives, construction partners and hospital staff.
The event included a symbolic handprint activity, which will form part of the landscaped garden areas within the completed development.
With the building structure now complete, work will progress to internal fit-out, installation of clinical infrastructure and external landscaping.
The expansion is expected to play a central role in supporting future service delivery at Royal Shrewsbury Hospital and addressing growing demand for acute healthcare
Construction worker health programme
Construction staff on the project are also currently benefiting from the High-Vis Health programme, which was launched in November.
The programme offers monthly health checks and advice on mental health, respiratory care, sexual health, and cardiovascular risk.
The initiative brings preventative healthcare directly to the site to support worker wellbeing.