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Nightingale Associates, specialists in the fields of health, education and science, were appointed by Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust to transform the facilities of the existing Derriford Hospital by designing a state-of-the-art new Critical Care Unit, built to accommodate the needs of both patients and staff.The Critical Care Unit completes the £29 million development at Derriford Hospital, which Nightingale Associates were appointed to lead.
Sean Keaney, Senior Architect at Nightingale Associates, said:
“Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust gave us a fantastic opportunity to transform the overall experience for patients and their families staying in and visiting Derriford Hospital.
“We are delighted to have played a part in enabling the Trust to provide some of the best quality medical care available.”
The Critical Care Unit, which enjoys panoramic views over Plymouth, was designed with the aim of enhancing and improving the experience for patients. Design features include:
• Two specially-designed infection control rooms – These contain adjustable positive and negative air pressure, which will help to control and prevent cross-infection.
• Improved natural light – The design team took advantage of the elevation of the site, and the potential views across the city, by ensuring that an abundance of natural light flowed into the wards from each side of the building. Each room is specifically designed to capitalise on space and light. This will support patient recovery, help to orientate recovering patients, and reduce risks of delirium in critical illnesses.
• Larger bed spaces – the new unit provides individual bed spaces of 25m2 each, compared with just 8.5m2 in the existing building.
Ian Wren, Matron and Manager for the Department of Intensive Care, said:
“With our new Department, we can offer some of the very best facilities in the country… which should make the experience more comfortable and better for patients, their families and our staff.”