Huge logistics operation of moving an entire hospital (From Runcorn and Widnes World)

Huge logistics operation of moving an entire hospital

9:20am Friday 12th March 2010 in

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MOVING an entire hospital whilst keeping everything up and running was the daunting challenge facing health chiefs.

A giant timetable has been drawn up for staff and patients to move into the new Whiston Hospital, after months of precision planning.

Ann Marr, chief executive of St Helens and Knowsley Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “It was very complicated, getting the right things in the right place at the right time.

“The biggest challenge was deciding when to move accident and emergency. We had to make sure all the departments patients would need were already in place.”

Accident and emergency opens on March 25 and the first baby could arrive on April 10.

A heated tunnel, like those erected to protect stars from prying TV cameras at celebrity weddings, has been created to transfer patients.

The move should be completed by April 26.

“I am absolutely delighted,” said Ms Marr.

“When it is your own community, it is a privilege to have the opportunity to put added value in.

“All my family, friends and neighbours come here. I get lots of feedback.

“My mum and dad go to the Ford’s Club in Cronton. People are always telling them about the hospital.

“You can have beautiful buildings but if the care isn’t right, it is no good.

“Top quality care is about doing everything right.

“The difference you can make to a person’s life by giving the right treatment is enormous.”