Luton and Dunstable University Hospital Acute Services Building

The Luton and Dunstable University Hospital (L&DUH) site is one of two operated by Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Services are delivered to a population that is forecast to grow by 18% over the next 5 years - almost double the national average.

The Trusts long term investment plan and strategic vision is focussed on improving clinical efficiencies and patient experience through an ambitious redevelopment of the L&DUH site.  

The Acute Services Block and New Ward Block are the first significant development of this vision, and accommodate:

• A consultant led delivery suite and midwifery-led birth unit supporting 5,500 births per annum
• 42 cot neonatal intensive care unit for transitional care
• 22 bed adult Intensive Care unit critical care floor including isolation rooms
• 8 new operating theatres, including 2 hybrid theatres adjoining the existing theatre suite
• Staff support facilities

The Hospital is an extremely busy site, and one of the principal challenges was ensuring the development works could be carried out with the least disruption. Clearing the site involved 18 decant and enabling schemes of varying scales, including a new car park and energy centre to support future load requirements.  We prepared a phased development plan allowing works to be carried out with minimal impact on day-to-day activities at the hospital, limiting inconvenience to both patients and staff.

Extensive staff and user engagement was pivotal to the success of the project.  Clinical work streams have helped deliver forward-thinking, innovation and efficient healthcare solutions. For example, the theatre reception floor utilises a theatre pod model, reducing the reception space that is used only briefly in the morning. It also improves user experience as patients return to their pods and belongings post-operation.

Patients were also included in the engagement process, and a particularly positive impact is in the NICU department, where their input has resulted in more therapeutic and responsive bereavement spaces.