Construction has started for an innovative hospital near Bath, UK, designed by international architectural firm Foster and Partners.
The new “compact” hospital has been developed by Health Properties (Bath) Limited for healthcare operator Circle healthcare. Circle has built a partnership of local clinicians who will work in the new hospital. The building contractor is Taylor Woodrow.
Andrew Percival – Public Sector Director, Taylor Woodrow said: “The commencement of the Circle’s first purpose-built hospital in Bath represents an important milestone for Taylor Woodrow and the local community.
“The new facility reflects the aspirations of an innovative and passionate client and is the result of close collaboration between Circle, Taylor Woodrow and an internationally renowned design team.”
Planning approval was granted last year by Bath and North East Somerset Council. The facility is located at Bath Business Park in Peasedown St John. It will create 150 new full time jobs.
The new hospital will treat both private and National Health Service (NHS) patients. It is expected to open in late 2009. The design incorporates fresh air and natural light into the healing process. It is set to achieve the highest national rating for hospital sustainable design.
The new hospital will have four operating theatres and 26 in-patient beds. All rooms are single rooms. There are two “family” rooms. The hospital will serve some 600 patients per week, providing a wide range of non-emergency or “elective” procedures.
The hospital is designed to place patients at the centre of a new approach to healthcare: everyone (whether a surgeon, nurse or porter) is a partner in the delivery of care. The architectural ambition is to re-cast the hospital building as a humane and civilised space.
The UK Strategic Health Authority said that the new centre of excellence was an example of new health initiatives supported by the government, including the policy of creating more choice for patients.
Your comments: (Terms and conditions apply)
“I think its wonderful to consider both patients and staff and as a health worker I’m looking forward to seeing a small but smart, clean hospital where patients are treated with respect. Can’t wait for it to open.” – Name and contact details supplied
“The only way to treat diseases is to base all procedures on the idea of partnership: partnership between the patient and medical staff and partnership between the different medical specialisms. In my experience, this always guaranteed success even if the patient was not fully cured; he or she was satisfied with the treatment and in the majority of the cases, this is the cure. Small, clean, decent hospitals with respect-oriented treatment of patients are found in many places; but unfortunately not everywhere. Respect is a matter of education and is not dependent on the payment offered the staff; the key is staff management and it is not an easy task. Well done to all those who treat patients like their loved ones!” – Marius Filip, MD, Bucharest University Emergency Hospital, Romania
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