A ground breaking transplantation facility unique to the UK and one of only four such medical centres of excellence in the world, has reached completion and has been handed over to The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust for fit out. Work commenced on site in August 2009 at Newcastle upon Tyne’s Freeman Hospital, renowned for its already exceptional transplant surgery and research work. The new state-of-the-art clinical facility, the Institute of Transplantation , constructed for £25m by BAM will serve a local population of 3.3 million, also treating referrals from Scotland, Ireland and Northern Ireland.
The initial project brief outlined the need for excellent operating facilities, critical care provision and direct access to multiple ancillary services such as radiology and pathology in order to undertake efficient transplantation. Operationally the building would need to facilitate the grouping of specialists in transplantation, diagnosis, treatment and care in a single location.
Ryder Architecture was appointed to the project as a result of the company’s extensive healthcare experience and was commissioned by the Trust to provide architectural design services up to RIBA Stage D and to manage and coordinate the design team.
Commenting on Ryder’s appointment, Steven Bannister, Director of Estates and Facilities for the Trust says: “Ryder architecture had worked with Newcastle Hospitals for a considerable period and understood intimately the quality of product we demand – in terms of space, light, finishes and standards. I am delighted to say all those parameters have been met and in this case exceeded. The facility really is top class and the whole patient experience will be superb.”