9 February 2011
Work is continuing apace on the new £73m Cynon Neighbourhood
Hospital in the Cynon Valley.
When it opens this autumn, the new hospital will provide vital
healthcare facilities for one of the most deprived areas in
Wales.
Over recent in years the limitations imposed by the area’s
existing facilities in terms of physical condition, functional
flexibility, accessibility and space have exacerbated the problems
faced by an ageing local population already prone to chronic
disease.
Capita Symonds is providing project management and supervisor
services under the NEC on behalf of client Cwm Taf Local Health
Board. When complete the 18,000 sq m hospital will provide:
- 100 beds.
- 15 Psychiatry of the old age beds.
- 8 palliative care beds.
- 5 bed birthing unit.
- 18 chair dental training school.
- Outpatients department.
- Radiology department.
- A full therapies department.
- Mental Health unit and day facilities.
The project will also see the relocation of the nearby Aberdare
and Mountain Ash Hospitals to the same site. Capita Symonds is
providing technical support for the disposal of the sites,
procuring and managing a series of studies and investigations to
inform the disposal while supporting future planning
applications.
The new hospital harnesses the use of natural daylight,
landscape, spatial quality, and comfort levels to improve the
psychological well being of both patients and staff while also
providing an important hub for the local community.
Design consultations with both patients and staff have been
supplemented through regular engagement with public forums. In
fact, the site itself was chosen after discussions held with the
public.
In order to meet the objectives of the Health Board and energy
targets set by the Welsh Assembly Government the facility has been
designed to use natural ventilation were possible, has biomass fuel
for heating, and a green roof over parts of the building.
The project, which was procured under a two stage process and
under the NEC Option C, includes new access to the hospital under a
S278 agreement. It also required a flood consequences study and the
involvement of the Environmental Agency on surface water
attenuation.
Capita Symonds Project Manager Dominic Roche says: “This is a
facility that will provide for the healthcare needs of the
community for years to come. The vision from the Health Board has
been central in driving the project. We have had our
challenges along the way but have remained focussed on providing a
state of the art facility and directing the team to its
delivery.”
To view a fly through of the designs
click
here.