Breathe in! First sections of new hospital delivered to Berwick under police escort
Last updated 30th Jul 2024
A significant milestone has been reached in the construction of Berwick’s new community hospital.
The first pre-assembled pieces - which are being built in a factory 60 miles away - arrived on site under police escort on Tuesday.
The English town's narrow streets were a tight squeeze for the heavy goods vehicles transporting the two roof PODs, which are due to be lifted onto the hospital's steel frame tomorrow (Wednesday).
A further six are due to be delivered to the site before the end of the week.
WATCH: Click on the link below to view our video of the first delivery...
Damon Kent, managing director of Northumbria Healthcare Facilities Management, said: “To reach such a key milestone in this extremely important project for the trust, patients and staff, is very exciting and an achievement for all involved.
“A huge amount of detailed planning has gone into the transportation of these modules, and I know that Merit will do everything to minimise any disruption and ensure that everything is done in a safe manner. Navigating the narrow residential streets near the hospital site is something that has been considered very carefully.
“This phase of the project really shines a light on the benefits of using what is referred to as ‘modern methods of construction’. The main advantages of this method include a very high-quality product and progress not being affected by weather. I am really looking forward to seeing things progress at pace on site from now.”
In total 712 pre-assembled modules (PAMs), 52 fully fitted bathrooms PODs and 17 roof PODs will be transported from Cramlington to north Northumberland over the course of the next five to six months.
Merit, Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust’s construction partner, has been building these components since January last year.
The PAMs will be installed within ceiling voids and house the hospital services, including plumbing, lighting, heating and ventilation. The roof PODs, which will sit on top of the building, contain the equipment needed to distribute services throughout the hospital.
Marion Dickson, executive director of nursing, midwifery and allied health professionals at Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Words cannot describe how momentous this part of the new Berwick hospital project is. To see the new hospital rise-up from our existing hospital site has been fascinating and very special. And now, to be able to witness the different components being put in place in such an extraordinary way is just fantastic.
“I am incredibly proud that Northumbria Healthcare were brave in opting for this innovative construction method and that we are leading the way regionally and nationally.
"The countdown is now on until the summer next year and I would like to thank everyone who has been involved so far, once again, for their commitment, effort and contribution. Our local communities can be assured that we are continually looking to see what appropriate additional services we can bring to our wonderful new hospital."
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