Work on the Jigsaw build project at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital is well underway with first phase preparation work starting in October. This is the first step in providing brand new purpose-built cancer and blood disorder and women’s health facilities for local patients.
Work includes the relocation of patient car parking and blue badge holders, currently by the Eye Unit, which will move to a new location 100ft away. Weather depending this should be completed by the end of November. Disruption will be kept to a minimum and the car parking team will be on hand to help direct staff and visitors to spaces as they change.
In conjunction with the car parking relocation, work is also being carried out on water drainage for the new build, street lighting and the redirection of all the site perimeter roads.
Following this work, the main building contractors, Brymor Contractors, will set up on site to begin construction end of December.
Brymor Contractors has a long and successful record of similar healthcare works across the south coast. Some examples of their recent completed projects include a new £2.29m Outpatients Department at the Royal Hampshire County Hospital; a £1.3m refurbishment of the Outpatient Department at Frimley Park Hospital and a £1.6m new cardiac unit and extension at Salisbury District Hospital.
The new Jigsaw building will be situated between the Eye Unit and the Derwent Suite for Orthopaedics, and will bring together oncology, haematology, gynaecology, breast care and early pregnancy.
It will provide more space for rapidly expanding outpatient and day case treatments and will ensure better privacy and dignity for patients.
A public and patients listening event was held earlier this year and feedback on the plans for the new units included requests for Wi-Fi, quiet rooms, counselling rooms and artwork in the building. Outdoor space and good car parking provision have also been highlighted as important elements of the plans. All of which are incorporated in to the new build.
A video has been produced showing a virtual tour of the new building and is available to view on the Bournemouth Hospital Charity website – http://bournemouthhospitalcharity.org/jigsaw-building-virtual-tour/
Foundation Trust Chairman, Jane Stichbury, said: “I am delighted that this work is underway. While patients currently receive an excellent clinical service, the new facilities will provide a much better environment.
The Jigsaw building is funded through donations and fundraising from two Jigsaw appeals; cancer and blood disorders and women’s health, plus NHS investment.