First look at new state-of-the-art hospital

Taking a look inside the UK’s newest healthcare facility as it prepares to open to the public, a group of MPs, councillors and local authority leaders were welcomed to the state-of-the-art Midland Metropolitan University Hospital - just 15 days before it will receive the first patient.

They heard how the colourful building, which will be run by Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust boasts 736 beds - half of which are single ensuite rooms - a winter garden, and high spec robot technology.

Seriously unwell patients will be treated at the facility, whilst outpatient appointments,  short stay surgery and other community-based treatments will stay in parts of the former Sandwell and City Hospital sites which will continue to the run by the Trust.

Welcoming the guests to the main reception area on level five, Sir David Nicholson, Chairman for the organisation said: “Today is a key moment in the Midland Met story.

An opportunity for us to show it off to those who helped bring it to life. Everyone here today deserves thanks for being part of the collaboration that delivered this building.

“Now all we have to do is introduce it to the population we built it for. I have no doubt this hospital and all she stands for will become a landmark across the west of Birmingham, and I greatly look forward to the exciting days ahead.” Sir David’s words were followed by a blessing from the organisation’s chaplaincy team, led by the Rev. Eddie Briones and supported by his colleagues from the Hindu, Muslim, Humanist and Sikh faiths.

Guests at the event also heard from Richard Beeken, chief executive for the Trust and Rachel Barlow, managing director for the Midland Metropolitan University Hospital Programme Company.

They shared more about the hospital’s impact across the community both in terms of redevelopment, regeneration, and sustainability.

The hospital combines two accident and emergency departments from Sandwell and City Hospitals, bringing staff together and leading to more efficient care. There will be an increased number of senior decision makers on site 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Sandwell Hospital accident and emergency department will close on 6 October, with patients being taken to the new emergency department at The Midland Met. Inpatients will also be transferred over in a carefully planned move.  

City Hospital patients will follow from 10 November, with the A&E department closing on that date.  

Meanwhile, dedicated bus service routes will be in place to serve the Midland Metropolitan University Hospital.

Working with Transport for West Midlands, NHS bosses have arranged for four different buses to stop at the Smethwick site or nearby.

The move will provide convenient sustainable public travel to the hospital, while also reducing air pollution.

From 29 September the new bus routes will be as follows: 

• No. 54/54A – will be combined into one route to serve the hospital.
• No. 89 – this service will now terminate at The Midland Met instead of Bearwood.
• No. 82/87 – journeys from Birmingham will be diverted to serve the new Grove Lane Stops. Journeys towards Birmingham will continue their existing route and serve the bus stop on Dudley Road.

The nearest rail station to the hospital is Smethwick Rolfe Street.

Click here for more information about travel to The Midland Met.

The October edition of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce's Chamberlink magazine will go behind-the-scenes at the Midland Metropolitan University Hospital, featuring an in-depth interview with chairman Sir David Nicholson and chief executive Richard Beeken.