£16 million extension to Aintree University Hospital’s emergency department underway

Work has started on a £16 million extension project to improve Aintree University Hospital.

The new design aims to reduce waiting times in the emergency department (ED) and deliver better care for patients.

The extension alongside the existing ED will include new hybrid operating theatres as well as the refurbishment of the existing theatre complex.

Sir David Dalton, interim chief executive of Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “[It] is an important part of our strategy to provide outstanding healthcare for the people of Liverpool.”

The Trust said the work will be delivered in several phases to minimise disruption and is due to be completed in 2023.

Key improvements to the hospital

Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said the additional space in the department means waiting and assessment areas can be expanded, allowing patients to be seen and treated according to their needs in a more efficient way.

The improvements also include a new CT scanner for assessing potential strokes and increased capacity for ambulance drop-off bays.

The hospital hosts the Cheshire and Merseyside Major Trauma Centre, which provides major trauma services to a catchment area of 2.3 million residents in the North West and Isle of Man.

The ED had more than 89,000 attendances last year.

Renovation of Aintree University Hospital’s 125-foot tower block, which will extend its lifespan by up to 30 years, started in March 2020 and is expected to be completed in summer 2022.

The Trust said the ground floor work is being funded from 2021/22 urgent and emergency care central funding and the theatre floor is being funded from Trust capital allocated for service integration.

‘Strategy to provide outstanding healthcare’

Sir David said: “I’m delighted that work has started on this project.

“This expansion will improve the delivery of high-quality emergency care and forms part of a major investment at our Aintree site to improve our facilities and infrastructure, ultimately ensuring patients get access to the right expertise as efficiently as possible.”

Phil Shaw, divisional director for the North West at Tilbury Douglas, the company building ED extension, said: “We’re delighted to be working with Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust to deliver this exciting development that will enhance patient care.

“The contract award builds on the team’s excellent track record of working on complex developments across the North West, including at the neighbouring Walton Centre.”