Transformative Critical Care Unit at Barnsley Hospital

The new £7.3m Critical Care Unit at Barnsley Hospital is nearing completion after 12 months of construction works carried out by local contactor I&G to double capacity of the hospital’s critical care beds to 32. This will allow the hospital to meet current demand pressures and future proof the hospital’s capacity to care for the most unwell patients.

Christopher Carline, Managing Director of Illingworth & Gregory (I&G) said;

“Back in December 2021 we begun transforming part of the hospital site that was previously used for offices to make way for the new state-of-the-art CCU that is now a landmark in Barnsley, offering the best possible patient care. 13 additional critical care bed spaces have been created to meet current and future demand, as well as extra space to allow the Trust to deliver physiotherapy and rehabilitation at the bedside, in line with national health guidelines.

“The scheme has been delivered in a relatively short build period when considering the logistical and access limitations of the live hospital environment. It is testament to the key subcontract, design, and NHS Trust teams working collaboratively with us to overcome any challenges and we very much look forward to celebrating the official opening of this high-quality, purpose-built unit in the near future.”

The team on site successfully navigated the complex multi-million-pound programme within the challenging environment of a live hospital, working closely with the Trust to ensure the hospital could continue to function normally throughout the project. Access to site was restricted by a 2x2m doorway, which has been the access and egress point for concrete, structural steel, aggregates, bricks, blocks, pipework, and miles of electrical cable.

The impressive new unit will also enhance patient experience and wellbeing, with more appropriately sized and spaced-out beds, better lighting and décor, as well as enhanced provisions for patient privacy. All factors which will contribute to shorter stays, quicker discharges, and speedier recoveries in general.