Gleeds has supported the successful delivery of the new Midland Metropolitan University Hospital, which is now open and treating patients. It is one of the UK’s largest acute and emergency hospitals and includes over 700 beds, 11 operating theatres and two maternity theatres.
Gleeds led the NEC project management on the hospital, which is part of the New Hospitals Programme. The firm also provided programme audit, risk management, quantity auditing and a digital reporting service via Power BI on behalf of Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust. Gleeds was instrumental in supporting the Trust during the project’s activation phase, supporting retail project management, managing the early works contract and using leading-edge digital tools to streamline the facility’s delivery.
The hospital is now employing 4,500 NHS staff, as well as incorporating A&E and acute and emergency services from nearby hospitals. The facility includes purpose-built A&E departments for adults and children, acute and maternity care facilities, a sickle cell and thalassaemia centre and a range of outdoor spaces designed to encourage patients to remain active, including a Winter Garden.
Gleeds has worked with other parties involved in the project to undertake significant levels of volunteering and community engagement, including arranging site tours for nearby university students studying built environment courses to help support their professional development. Gleeds staff have also been volunteering during the hospital’s opening period, to help guide patients and visitors to the correct departments.
Matt Darby, Regional Director at Gleeds, comments, “I’m hugely proud of Gleeds’ contribution to this fantastic new facility, which will have a tangible impact on communities within Sandwell and wider West Midlands. This is a major milestone in the New Hospitals Programme and at Gleeds, we continue to be passionate about supporting the NHS in achieving its aims of delivering high-quality health services for all.”
Mark Anderson, Chief Medical Officer, Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust, comments, “Having the first patients treated at the Midland Metropolitan University Hospital is a significant milestone, as a modern and purpose built facility it will improve health outcomes within our local communities. It was great to work collaboratively with all the parties involved in the hospital’s development, who made a fantastic contribution to ensuring the facility was completed to the highest standard.”
Richard Molloy, Trust Construction Director, comments, “The Gleeds team has seamlessly embedded within the client team and surpassed the expectations for the role as NEC project manager. The team has been both professional and efficient in delivering the project whilst being agile to accommodate client requests for additional support and assistance. We are truly grateful to the Gleeds team in delivering this landmark project under the most challenging environments with unprecedented changes to the economy, construction legislation and the UK healthcare system.”
