Project: Royal Blackburn Hospital

Client:

East Lancashire Hospital NHS Trust

Value: £99.0m

Contract: PFI

Duration: 156 weeks

The main aim of this project was to consolidate the services provided by two separate acute hospitals onto a single site in Blackburn. Spanning 45,000m², the new hospital has been designed to meet the needs of current and future generations. Included in the project was the provision of a new A&E unit, pathology and pharmacy units, 11 new operating theatres, ICU and HDU units, new inpatient facilities and a centralised outpatient department.

As the highest hospital above sea level in the country, the building incorporates a rain screen and has an extra layer designed to withstand severe weather conditions. In addition, the main entrance is located at the back of the building so is sheltered from prevailing winds.

The new hospital opened its doors in July 2006 and has been welcomed by both staff and patients.

Jo Cubbon, Chief Executive of East Lancashire Hospital NHS Trust said: "We are delighted with our new hospital which sets a real benchmark for the standards we want to aspire to for our patients. We've worked hard to make sure the new hospital has been designed around the needs of patients first and foremost."

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