The £4.2m construction of a new robotic and emergency maternity surgical theatre has begun at the University Hospital of North Tees, operated by North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust.
The ten-month construction project will see a new surgical theatre constructed on the hospital’s first floor, spanning the space above the atrium near the main entrance, supported by permanent columns from the ground floor.
The new facility will include a state-of-the-art robotic theatre surgical space and a new theatre dedicated to providing emergency maternity surgery.
‘Robbie’
The Trust’s Da Vinci robotic surgeon, nicknamed ‘Robbie’ by a patient, is controlled remotely by surgeons and improves the accuracy and efficiency of surgery in complex operations.
Anil Agarwal, consultant surgeon, said: “These new operating theatres will benefit hundreds of patients for years to come.
“We’ve been planning this for a few years and I’m so pleased to see the works taking place.
“The design of the robotic theatre is flexible so it can also be used for general surgery and the robotic device can then be moved to a separate training room for surgeons to learn on.
“The maternity theatre is close to the delivery suite and increases our capacity to treat women in an emergency.
“I’m really looking forward to using the robot in its purpose-built theatre towards the end of the year.”
Be safe
The Trust is appealing to all visitors to follow any diversion signs in order for the works to be carried out safely.
Project design and development manager Jordan Pearson said: “This project will take nearly a year to complete and will cause some disruption.
“There will be very clear signage around the works’ area, advising of alternate routes and providing key safety information.
“We’re asking everyone to take note of any signs or advice from Trust staff or the construction team.”
As well as diversionary routes and some unavoidable noise, the Trust is advising all visitors that alternative traffic measures may be required. Several patient car parking spaces will be used to house the site workers’ facilities and equipment storage.
Access to the construction area will require temporary remodelling of the paediatric emergency department. This will be clearly signed with safety barriers installed.
The paediatric emergency department will still be able to treat all patients as normal.
Geoffrey Robinson
Following an extensive tender process, Geoffrey Robinson Ltd was appointed to carry out the construction. The firm has worked for the Trust in the past, carrying out both a major emergency department refurbishment and respiratory ward upgrade.
Neal Robinson, Managing Director at Geoffrey Robinson, said: “We are thrilled to partner once again with the team at North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust to spearhead this exciting and ambitious project. With a proven track record of successfully operating within live hospital environments, we are dedicated to ensuring minimal impact to both staff and patients throughout our ongoing works.
“We can all see the incredible benefits that this new development will bring to the community treated by this hospital, so we’re very keen to get underway and help make a difference.”
Surgical good news
This is the second piece of good news for the Trust’s surgical team, following the University of Hartlepool achieving accreditation as an elective surgical hub through national assessment with the GIRFT programme.