Makeover at Whittington Barracks is saluted
Six new accommodation blocks have been opened at a Staffordshire army base as part of a multi-million pound revamp.
The living quarters, which will sleep 736 military medical staff and trainees, form part of the new £144 million site revamp at Whittington Barracks for Defence Medical Services personnel.
Work started on the accommodation blocks in March 2012. The new buildings are wi-fi enabled for training purposes and feature hotel-style key card swipe locks.
The blocks were officially opened yesterday by Surgeon Captain Stuart Millar, Commander of the Defence Medical Services (DMS) Training Group based at Keogh Barracks in Aldershot.
"This is a fantastic day, it has been a long process to get to this point but this is a really significant milestone," said Cptn Millar.
"This high quality accommodation means all personnel working here can concentrate on ensuring the best possible outcome for the patient."
Thousands of army, navy and RAF medical trainees will be based each year at the site, which is due to open next March. Bosses have also revealed more than 127 courses will run for students while actors will be brought in to take part in reconstructions of military operations alongside the sounds of real gunfire.
The new Hatherton Block will feature a 240-seated lecture theatre and conference facility and a defence medical library.
The training centre will include 44 classrooms, practice wards, pharmacy and offices. The community hub has a dining hall, bars, cafe, games room, TV room and shop. More than 127 courses will run there for the 8,500 students who will also be sent over to Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham for experience.
