BIRMINGHAM Children’s Hospital could be moving after little more than 20 years at its current city centre base.
Health bosses said the 300-bed Steelhouse Lane site had ‘huge limitations’ – just two days after unveiling a new £2.5 million paediatric assessment unit.
Sarah-Jane Marsh, chief executive of Birmingham Children’s Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, said a future move would cost £350 million.
But she said it was vital if the hospital was to be viewed as a centre of excellence in specialist care.
“As a national leader, we will need an estate that’s fit for purpose,’’ said Mrs Marsh, who was speaking at a Health and Adults Overview meeting, held at the Council House.
“It’s clear the site has huge limitations.
“More and more people are using the hospital.
“The hospital was designed for another age and its layout means it can take a long time to get patients to theatre.
“Some of our general wards are not able to provide privacy for patients, some of the natural light is not great and the play facilities are not great.”
Mrs Marsh said the possible move could cost as much as £350 million and would take many years to materialise.
Speculation the hospital could move on to the site of Queen Elizabeth Hospital, in Selly Oak, were quickly dismissed by Mrs Marsh at the meeting.
In a report prepared for the committee, she suggested there were “external factors” influencing the proposal such as a potential redevelopment of the area under the city council’s Big City Plan. Modernising the hospital’s existing site is also being considered as an option.
“Could we develop our site in the future that’s fit for 21st century health care?” Mrs Marsh asked.
The move proposals are very much in their infancy and a shortlist of options will be drafted before a period of public consultation is held, likely to be in September.
The Trust’s statement of intent comes despite the hospital receiving rave reviews in its latest assessment by the Care Quality Commission.
source: birminghammail.net
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