A four-year project to transform the emergency department at Barnsley Hospital has reached completion.

Overseen by Turner & Townsend, the £3.75m extension brings together the hospital’s previous paediatric units into a single location, enabling specialists across the children’s emergency department and the assessment unit to work together in closer proximity with improved communication and logistics.

The three phases of the 703sq m project included moving the ambulance entrance, the construction of a single-storey extension to house the children’s assessment unit and children’s emergency department, and the expansion of the adult emergency department.  

The impact of COVID-19

Work began in January 2020 and was delivered in three stages, with the designs revisited and adapted during the process in line with COVID-19 regulations.  

As the pandemic arrived during the second phase of works, the team adapted the plans to enhance the facility’s anti-infection measures, including an overhaul of the air circulation system.

Alison Fearns, project manager at Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Emergency department staff have been involved in the design, which creates a calm and reassuring environment for staff and patients. 

“The standard of workmanship and delivery has been exemplary during what was a logistically-complex project in a live clinical environment.”

Essential upgrade

Tafadzwa Chisambara, project manager at Turner & Townsend, adds: “This much-needed extension provides an essential upgrade to Barnsley Hospital’s emergency and paediatric facilities. 

“Not only will this centralise the children’s specialist units and make treatment more efficient and effective, it also futureproofs the facilities as the hospital faces the ongoing task of tackling the COVID-19 pandemic.  

“Despite the challenging year, and significant hurdles in the way of this project, it is testament to the tireless work of everyone involved that this vital extension is now open and operational.”