Work has recommenced on the new £35m Berwick Community Hospital, just one week after the project's original main contractor fell into administration.
New Contractor Takes Over Site
A South Tyneside construction firm has been brought in to progress the vital healthcare development after Cramlington-based Merit, the trust's former construction partner, appointed administrators last week. The collapse resulted in approximately 300 job losses at the modular building specialist, a former North East Company of the Year.
Construction had ground to a halt around two weeks ago as the troubled contractor consulted with business advisors. The NHS trust has now appointed East Boldon-based Opus Building Services as an interim contractor to get the project back on track.
Project Progress and Community Impact
Damon Kent, managing director of Northumbria Healthcare Facilities Management, provided reassurance to the local community. "We are pleased to be able to provide people with an update on the next steps to ensure the construction of our new hospital continues to progress well," he stated.
In a positive development for local employment, Opus has re-employed most of the on-site team previously working for Merit. "The past few weeks have been difficult for many," Mr Kent acknowledged, "but we are now able to focus on finishing what is going to be an excellent health facility for the residents of Berwick and the surrounding areas."
Current Status and Future Timeline
Significant work has already been completed internally, including the installation of floors, walls, ceilings and staircases. The inpatient ward and Well Close Medical Group areas are reportedly close to completion.
The next phase will involve completing work in the theatre and endoscopy areas, followed by testing and validating all building services. Externally, site tidying and safety work is ongoing, with glazing work and plant equipment installation on the roof still to be completed.
Marion Dickson, Northumbria Healthcare's executive director for nursing, midwifery and allied health professionals, acknowledged community concerns about further delays. "We would like to reassure everyone that we are doing all we can to progress things as quickly as we can," she said.
The trust has confirmed that in addition to existing services, the new hospital will feature endoscopy, audiology, ophthalmology, gynaecology and colposcopy services. However, officials noted that providing an updated completion timeline remains challenging at this stage.
