During the COVID pandemic exceptional pressures were placed on the NHS, requiring changed ways of working with great speed and agility in every existing service whilst continuing to ensure the safety of all patients and staff. At the onset of the pandemic in March 2020, a planned rapid postponement of elective surgical procedures was put into effect immediately to ensure that both patient and staff safety and infection control measures could be maintained. A 34% reduction was seen in the Newcastle area in elective treatment. What was a challenging timescale for people waiting to receive planned surgical care before, became much worse. It was reported that waiting times for planned surgical treatment could take up to 4 years.
The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Trust recognised this growing wait time was unacceptable and took decisive action. In September 2021 the Trust implemented a strategy to combat the effects of the Covid Pandemic and reduce waiting times for elective surgery. The Day Treatment Centre (DTC) is a project which provides surgical treatment specific to day case and elective care and tackles backlog waiting lists. The building not only improves the quality of life for those that are treated but provides a fantastic environment for NHS staff to deliver the highest standard of care.
What makes this project remarkable is the speed in which the solution was provided. The £22.1m scheme achieved completion in August 2022. All members of the client, design and construction team realised the importance and value of this project and the immediate need. From a blank sheet of paper to the use of a surgeon’s knife took only 10 months! Completing this project some 2 years earlier than traditional methodology, has meantcirca16,000 operations will be provided sooner, benefitting many thousands of people in the Newcastle catchment area.
Three Winning Facts:
- 2 years earlier and16,000 Operations sooner.
- 10 months from inception to completion of complex £22m new build.
- Highly functional Clinical facility to modern standards andlandmark building.
