Groundwork begins on New Royal entrance

Construction has officially commenced on the New Royal podium entrance, which will provide easy drop-off access for patients.

The important milestone was marked by a ground-breaking ceremony attended by Sir David Dalton, Interim Chief Executive, Steve Gerard, Assistant Director of new hospital construction, and from Laing O’Rourke was Andy Thomson, Project Director and Neil Davies, Project Manager for the podium.

Following a review of the increased footfall and traffic to the area, we made plans to introduce easy drop-off and pick-up points to the new Royal. Planning permission was granted in November 2021 and once completed, the new podium will deliver vehicular and pedestrian access to short stay drop-off points and disabled parking close to the north side main entrance.

Work is starting on the foundations ready for the installation of the steel framed concrete structure. The build is scheduled to complete in late summer.

Sir David Dalton, Interim Chief Executive explains: “This is an important stage in the construction of the new hospital as it is the final piece of the jigsaw that provides easy access for patients to the building.

“Our clinical and operational teams are working on their move plans and a programme of familiarisation and staff training will take place following practical completion.”

Preparing us for the big move

Tony Chambers joins LUHFT as the Director of Hospital Readiness, which includes the transition and integration of staff and services across our three sites to the New Royal.

After starting his career as a nurse, Tony has since been an executive director in the NHS for 20 years, including chief executive at the Countess of Chester Hospitals.

He said: “I’ve been to see the New Royal and all I can say is wow! It’s amazing, the wards are airy and spacious, and the new hospital will provide a wonderful environment. I think the people of Liverpool will be blown away when they see it.

“The new hospital is a starting point for the transformation of healthcare and integrated services across the Merseyside region. It’s a great opportunity to be involved in such a large scale, iconic project which will signal a new set of opportunities for hospitals across the city and beyond.

“I’m looking forward to taking people into the building and finding out how they think we can use the move to re-imagine how we can work.”