Building work starting on Acute Services Block and New Ward Block at the Luton and Dunstable University Hospital

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is delighted to announce the final approval of the £168.6m capital scheme which has been received from the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) for an Acute Services Block and New Ward Block on the Luton and Dunstable University Hospital (L&D) site. This confirmation has allowed the Trust to sign a construction contract with Kier, who will start on site this month and are scheduled to complete in 2024. Demolition and enabling work has been taking place over the past eight months to clear the hospital site in preparation for the building work.

The five-storey Acute Services Block and New Ward Block will house modern and enhanced facilities for maternity services, a level 3 neonatal intensive care unit, critical care and operating theatres.

David Carter, Chief Executive of Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said: “We are delighted to receive final confirmation of funding for the Acute Services Block and New Ward Block at the L&D.  This has been many years in the planning but the project is now a reality with builders on site in the coming weeks.

“This is a huge boost for staff morale as these buildings will provide modern facilities, allowing our teams to continue delivering excellent care.”

Dr Jennifer Birch, Neonatal Services Clinical Director at Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said: “Although our outstanding clinical teams deliver the highest quality care, the current building and infrastructure is no longer fit for purpose to support our work as a level 3 Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

“Caring for the sickest and most premature babies, as well as their families, in the very best environment is vitally important to us. These new facilities really will make a difference to their experience and support us in continuing to deliver the best possible care in a developmentally and clinically supportive Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.”

Minister for Health, Edward Argar said: “We have given Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust the green light on their plans to upgrade Luton and Dunstable Hospital, with £168.6 million of funding.

“The Acute Services Block and New Ward Block will house maternity and neonatal services, surgical theatres and critical care wards with new technology to benefit patients and staff, increase capacity and help tackle backlogs.

“We’ve backed the NHS throughout the pandemic with record levels of funding and we’re improving health infrastructure across the country including delivering 40 new hospitals by 2030 and over 70 hospital upgrades to ensure NHS staff can keep providing the care and treatment people need.”