Building work to start on Acute Services Block and New Ward Block at Luton and Dunstable University Hospital

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has received final approval of the £168.6m capital scheme which has been received from the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) for an Acute Services Block and New Ward Block on the Luton and Dunstable University Hospital (L&D) site.

Mott MacDonald is working as project manager on behalf of the Trust. Construction company Kier, started on site last month and are scheduled to complete in 2024. Demolition and enabling work have been taking place over the past eight months to clear the hospital site in preparation for the building work.

The five-storey Acute Services Block and New Ward Block will house modern and enhanced facilities for maternity services, a level 3 neonatal intensive care unit, critical care and operating theatres.

A new energy centre project will replace all obsolete and out of date heating plant and equipment, making the L&D one of the most environmentally friendly hospitals in the country, reducing the hospital’s carbon emissions by approximately 35% once it is up and running. This project will support the delivery of the Acute Services Block and New Ward Block.

Alex Newman-Burke, Mott MacDonald’s healthcare account leader said: “We are delighted the Trust has obtained financial approval from the DHSC for its exciting and critical project of campus redevelopment. We have been actively involved in managing key aspects of the redevelopment programme which will reduce carbon emissions and improve health and wellbeing outcomes for patients and the local community.”

David Carter, chief executive of Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said: “We are delighted to receive final confirmation of funding for the Acute Services Block and New Ward Block at the L&D.  This has been many years in the planning, but the project is now a reality with builders on site in the coming weeks.

“This is a huge boost for staff morale as these buildings will provide modern facilities, allowing our teams to continue delivering excellent care.”

Dr Jennifer Birch, neonatal services clinical director at Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said: “Although our outstanding clinical teams deliver the highest quality care, the current building and infrastructure is no longer fit for purpose to support our work as a level 3 Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

“Caring for the sickest and most premature babies, as well as their families, in the very best environment is vitally important to us. These new facilities really will make a difference to their experience and support us in continuing to deliver the best possible care in a developmentally and clinically supportive Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.”