Altrincham’s new hospital moves a step closer
December 11th, 2009
The opening of a new hospital in the centre of Altrincham has moved a step closer this week, as Trafford Healthcare NHS Trust invites the three bidders hoping to build it to submit their detailed proposals.
The Trust wants to replace Altrincham General, a Victorian building that is in poor condition, with a new hospital that is better suited to modern healthcare needs. It will provide all the same services as Altrincham General and three options are being considered. Citybranch Limited hopes to build the new hospital on Railway Street. Nikal Community Solutions wants the hospital to form part of the Altair development near Altrincham’s transport interchange. VINCI Construction UK Limited would like to build the new hospital on part of the current Altrincham General site. The historic facade of the existing hospital will be preserved under all three options.
In September, the Trust held a public exhibition of the three bidders’ initial proposals and invited people to give their views on them. Since then, it has been finalising its requirements for the new hospital, based on public feedback and the future needs of the health services provided at Altrincham General.
The Trust has now invited all three bidders to submit much more detailed versions of their proposals by 25 January 2010, including floor-by-floor layouts of the new hospital and a breakdown of costs for the work.
They are also being asked to adapt their proposals to reflect public feedback about car parking, public transport links and access for people with disabilities and to give special attention to improving traffic flow around the hospital and ensuring the design is in keeping with the local area.
Once the Trust has evaluated the bidders’ detailed proposals and clarified any remaining issues, it will invite them to submit final tenders for the work. A preferred bidder will be selected in spring 2010 and will then hold a public exhibition of their plans. Work on the site should start in autumn 2010, subject to detailed planning permission, and the new hospital is expected to open in 2012.
Ron Calvert, Chief Executive of Trafford Healthcare NHS Trust, said: “We are committed to giving the people of Altrincham the high-quality new hospital building they deserve. It will provide all the same health services as Altrincham General. Health services will continue to operate as normal at Altrincham General during construction of the new building.”
Key facts about the new hospital:
- Most of the equipment will be brand new, including the x-ray facilities. Any good-quality equipment and furniture from Altrincham General will, however, be transferred to the new hospital.
- It will provide all the same services as the current Altrincham General, including:
- Minor injuries unit providing nurse-led urgent care from 8am-8pm Mon-Fri and 10am-6pm weekends and bank holidays
- Outpatient clinics for about 20 hospital specialties
- X-ray – with new equipment
- Physiotherapy
- Phlebotomy (taking blood)
- Rehabilitation
- Mental health services - It will be fully accessible to people with disabilities
- There will be convenient parking
- It will be close to public transport links
Contact:
Emer Scott, Head of Communications, 0161 746 2945 or emer.scott@trafford.nhs.uk
