Developed at a cost of around £2.3 million, the new ward at Hillingdon Hospital NHS Trust, a large acute London hospital, is part of a research project to identify the benefits for patients of offering single rooms. The outcomes of the research project will influence the design of wards within Hillingdon's planned redevelopment and potentially for developments across the wider NHS.
Through its work with healthcare focused off-site construction specialists, ModuleCo (who designed and built the new ward), Birley, supplied interior fittings for 24 new state-of-the-art en-suite bedrooms and for the utility support areas. In addition Birley provided the novel "touch down bases" for clinicians which replace the old style nurses station.
Birley developed a range of specialist units designed to meet the NHS's stringent requirements. For example, all tall units feature sloping tops to avoid accumulation of dirt and dust and facilitate easy cleaning. In addition as part of its wider community support programme Birley donated one of the reception desks free of charge to the project.
NHS Project Manager Ray Quinn: "Everyone at the Hillingdon NHS Trust welcomed the donation of the stylish reception unit. This creates a welcoming impression for visitors on entering the ward, and Birley certainly ensured that the design and finish of the unit matched the high quality of the ward".
Steve English, MD of Birley Manufacturing added: "We were extremely proud of our involvement in this pioneering scheme and delighted to be able to support Hillingdon Hospital NHS Trust with the donation in the hospital's high-profile new Bevan Ward."
