Major hospital expansion hits key milestone

The last beam has been placed on a four-storey building that is part of a hospital's major expansion plans.

A "topping out" ceremony at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital, which is traditionally held when the highest point of the building is completed, took place with some staff being invited to leave a "lasting legacy" by making handprints on a concrete plinth.

Building work will now move into the next stage of construction, with internal works being carried out on clinical spaces, including installing advanced medical equipment, and completing the landscaping around the new entrance.

Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust said the development was set to transform patient care across the region.

The new building includes four new clinical floors and an expanded and modernised emergency department (ED).

Ms Williams said: "Each new clinical floor, the expanded ED, and even the sky gardens we're creating are all about giving our patients and staff the modern, compassionate environment they deserve."

There is a more welcoming entrance and canopies have been installed for ambulances, so that paramedics can transfer patients in all weather conditions.

Gardens have been created on the third and fourth floors to offer calming outdoor areas for patients, visitors, and staff, with natural light and greenery.

NHS chiefs said the scheme, led by Vinci Building, was on track for completion in 2028.

When the building is finished, it will be the base for acute medical services, women's and children's care, and critical care services.

Handprints were placed by chief executive Jo Williams, trust chairman Andrew Morgan, quality matron Lisa Walker, and receptionist Shirley Wakeley, who has just retired after 30 years working for the NHS.

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