Lymington New Forest Hospital

The community hospital in Lymington offers a sustainable solution that improves service-delivery patterns and acts as a catalyst to re-engineer models of clinical care. 

As a landmark building the design reflects the civic importance of healthcare within the local community. Designed at a considered scale, the building feels approachable, accessible, and part of the local context. The building has been designed to function efficiently and to provide a therapeutic environment.  It is organised around a hospital street, open at both ends, which gives a feeling of spaciousness.  This is enhanced by the two atria forming the main entrance and outpatient waiting spaces. The accommodation comprises of 96 inpatient beds, a treatment centre, day surgery, endoscopy, imaging, rehabilitation, and therapy facilities.

Consideration of the patient journey through the building and clinical functionality were the two principal design drivers. There is a broad range of spaces offering a variety of patient experiences, from the double-height public spaces to the intimate seating areas used for private contemplation and confidential discussion. 

Natural wayfinding and orientation have been promoted by the views of both external and internal spaces that act as focal points when moving around the building. Corridors are naturally well-lit and have views into the courtyards and of the landscape beyond. Informal seating was introduced to allow users to enjoy these areas.

Working closely with staff, a new ward layout model was developed. This involved breaking down larger wards into smaller-scale 12-bed clusters, each arranged around a courtyard, to provide a more intimate recovery environment for patients. 

The building was designed to be futureproofed and flexible. Modular room sizes and generic room types have been used wherever possible meaning any future changes can take place with minimum disruption to the building fabric.