We are really excited that planning is underway to build a new intensive care unit (ICU) within Kingston Hospital. Outcomes for patients cared for in Kington Hospital’s intensive care unit are nationally recognised and the Trust has received agreement in principle to build a new facility on site, which will further improve the quality of the environment for patients, their families and staff working in the unit, as well as increasing the number of ICU beds.
The current ICU is a challenging environment. Staffing models are inhibited due to the number of single rooms and restricted lines of site, whilst daylight is compromised for many of the existing beds and as a result, the means of providing a 24-hour rhythm for patients during their stay, which is known to aid recovery, is not available. Space for adequate equipment to treat and assist in rehabilitation is also lacking, restricting the ability to provide patients with the opportunity to sit out and mobilise prior to transferring to an inpatient ward.
The new building, which we hope to locate in the centre of the Kingston Hospital site, will comprise of four levels incorporating the intensive care unit, as well as car parking on the ground floor and additional space that can be adapted for future use.
The development is aligned with our long-term estates plan and clinical priorities for Kingston Hospital, as well as broader South West London strategies. Subject to the approval of a business case by NHSE, a 16-month construction programme is expected to begin on site in early 2024.
We are working on plans with our construction partner, Mace Willmott Dixon, and engaging with staff, patients and their families, and local people, to help inform our planning.
Thank you to everyone who has attended our recent information sessions and engagement events.
Watch a recording of our online engagement event (20 April 2023):
View presentation slides from the event.
Take a virtual tour of proposed designs for the intensive care unit, created by Hunters architects:
