Plans for West Suffolk's replacement hospital have taken another significant step forward after contracts were formally signed with the construction partner that will help deliver the new hospital.
Dragados, an international construction company with extensive experience delivering major healthcare projects, will now work alongside the Trust and the New Hospital Programme to develop the detailed design for the new hospital ahead of construction.
Dr Ewen Cameron, chief executive of the West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust, said:
This is a major milestone in our journey towards delivering a new hospital for West Suffolk and marks the beginning of the next stage of the programme.
We'll continue working closely with staff, patients and local communities as we develop the detailed designs. Th ere is still more to do but today is another important step towards providing modern facilities for future generations."
The appointment allows the programme team and Dragados to continue developing the detailed designs, building on the extensive engagement already undertaken with thousands of staff, patients and local people. This milestone brings the programme a step closer to delivering modern facilities that will improve the experience of patients and visitors, while providing a better working environment for colleagues for many years to come.
Steve Holmes, managing director of Dragados, said
This marks an important milestone for both DRAGADOS and the New Hospital Programme. We are delighted to be partnering with West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust to help deliver a state-of-the-art healthcare facility that will meet the needs of patients, healthcare professionals and the wider community for generations to come.
"As we move into the next phase, our priority is to work closely with all stakeholders to ensure certainty, quality and lasting value, creating a hospital that will support outstanding care and make a positive difference for the people it serves, while also leaving a lasting legacy for the local community through investment, opportunities and long-term social value."
Today's announcement builds on a number of significant milestones already achieved by the programme, including:
- Purchase of the Hardwick Manor site in Bury St Edmunds
- Outline planning permission
- Development of the hospital designs
- Thousands of conversations with staff, patients and the local community
- Submission of the Reserved Matters planning application
- Appointment of the construction partner
- Outline Business Case due later this year
The programme will continue developing the detailed designs alongside Dragados ahead of submitting the Outline Business Case later this year. Subject to the necessary approvals, construction is expected to begin between 2027 and 2028.