Royal Liverpool Hospital development

Royal Liverpool Hospital situated to the east of the city centre is the largest and busiest hospital in Merseyside and Cheshire, it servers as an adult major trauma centre for the two counties. The current building was constructed in 1978 and replaced 3 other hospitals in the area.

The existing 11 story building is typical of 1970s brutalist structures, built largely out of concrete it has an utilitarian and austerer look. Hospitals cannot simply be judged on their appearance however, function has to be the most important aspect.

Only after options to refurbish the existing hospital had been assessed and evaluated was the decision taken to construct a completely new building to house the hospital. The existing structure itself was found to be in a relatively good state, however engineering services were found to be well past their 25 year life.

After assessing the options for refurbishment it was concluded that refurbishing the existing structure would cost considerably more, causing disruption for patients and take a lot longer to complete.

So in 2014 work started on the construction of a new £335m modern hospital, which will house 18 state of the art theatres and 23 wards and units. The 646 bed hospital will provide every patient with a a single bedroom with en-suite facilities.

The new hospital will also be home to a comprehensive cancer centre which willl work in collaboration with the Clatterbridge comprehensive cancer centre on the Wirral.

The new Royal is being funded in part by the Department for Health who are contributing £124m, the remaining funds will be provided by the private sector. The trust will make an annual payment of 6% which it is claimed is "one of the lowest in the NHS"

The Trust will also be investing a further £94m which will fund a multi storey car park, equipment and demolition of the existing structure.

Facts and figures

• The Royal treats 172,000 emergency case and 490,000 out patients each year

• The new Royal will contain 18 state of the art theatres

• 23 Wards and units

• 646 beds

• and cost £335m

• Construction started in 2014 and is expected to be complete by 2017

For more information visit the Liverpool Royal website

The exiting hospital constructed in 1978

Progress on the new hospital April 2015

 

The view from the junction of Edge lane and Low Hill

 

The view from West Derby St