Huge proposal for West Midlands hospitals over rising demand
Birmingham residents have been provided an update on an enormous planned project at Heartlands Hospital amid fears over rising patient demand.
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The proposal is for an £185-200 million investment to create a new Urgent and Emergency Care (UEC) facility at the hospital in Bordesley Green.
Outlining its case for change, Birmingham and Solihull Integrated Care System (BSOL ICS) warned there were “disconnected and inefficient” existing patient services as well as very high levels of deprivation in the area.
In a finance report set to be discussed next week, it also said that patient demand is double current capacity.
It continued that the NHS has continued to invest in urgent and emergency care at the site to minimise clinical risk, overcrowding and patient safety issues.
“But patient numbers continue to increase, being cared for in buildings which are dark, cramped and not fit for the current purpose,” it added.
BSOL ICS, which brings together local NHS, councils and other organisations, said its vision therefore is to provide a “new modern healthcare facility” for urgent and emergency care.
It says this would improve clinical safety, reduce mortality, improve operational performance against key national metrics and better patient experience as well as staff wellbeing.
The report says the pre-construction period, which would involve consultation and business case development, is planned to take place until 2026.
Construction would then begin the next year with an ambition of having the facility open in 2030.
However, the report also makes clear that the project is subject to national funding approvals, consultations with patients, residents and staff, and planning consent.
BSOL ICB and University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust have agreed £5.5 million of capital funding across two years to start enabling works.
But the project will need funding via the national government.
“UHB has started informal discussions with NHS England and local stakeholders but no guarantees of future funding to date,” the report also said.
It added: “Initial requests will be made to NHS England for £20 million to support ongoing site clearance works, produce the final business case and design/procure/select a preferred long-term solution.”
The major proposal will be discussed at a Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting on Thursday, January 30.
