Midland Metropolitan Hospital to welcome first patients

The West Midlands' new 'super hospital' officially opens its doors today (6 October) as it welcomes the first of hundreds of patients.

The Midland Metropolitan University Hospital in Smethwick has more than 730 beds, a new emergency department and dedicated children’s A&E, more than a dozen operating theatres and a new maternity unit.

West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS) will transfer around 600 patients to the new facility across three separate days.

Around 300 patients will be transferred from Sandwell Hospital today (6 October). A further 60 maternity patients from City Hospital will follow on 6 November, and 220 patients from City Hospital will be transferred on 10 November.

The transfers are being done using 60 ambulances, a combination of 999 emergency vehicles and non-emergency patient transport service ambulances. WMAS said there will be "no detriment to the daily 999 service."

WMAS Head of Emergency Preparedness, Resilience and Response James Williams, said: “A lot of hard work has gone into this project over the last nine months to ensure we are fully prepared to transfer patients to the new hospital.

“We have worked closely with colleagues from Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals throughout the planning process and are confident the plans we have put in place will ensure patients are moved efficiently and safely."

The Midland Metropolitan University Hospital was expected to open in October 2019 and cost around £350m but has been hampered by several delays and rising costs.

The cost of building the hospital has now risen to at least £750m – with running costs expected to push the total cost to nearly £1bn.

The hospital’s managing director Rachel Barlow said: “It has been a long time in the process but I’m sure you can see what an amazing facility this is,” she said. “It will bring benefits to our patients immediately.

“This hospital brings two hospitals onto one site. That brings two clinical teams and all our services onto one site and gives patients equity of care. The design of the hospital facilitates quicker diagnostics and treatment.”

Sandwell Hospital accident and emergency department closes today (6 October), with the A&E at City Hospital closing on 10 November.

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