Construction work is underway on the site

Work has begun on constructing a new multi-million-pound emergency department at Pilgrim Hospital in Boston, Lincolnshire.

The demolition of the building next to the existing emergency department has now been completed, foundations have been poured, and the concrete infrastructure is being installed for the two-storey new-build extension.

Once the concrete floors, stairwells, lift shafts, and other structural elements are in place, the exterior brickwork, walls, and windows will be installed.

Work will then begin on the interior and, once completed, the current emergency department will relocate early next year.

This will then enable practically everything to be demolished, replaced, and transformed in the current department, before the two areas merge in 2026.

Once completed, the finished transformation will see the new department more than treble in size and include state-of-the-art innovations and infection prevention control measures.

An artist’s impression of the new facility (P+HS Architects)

It will also have more cubicles to treat patients and a larger resuscitation zone for the sickest patients, as well as a separate area dedicated to emergency care for the hospital’s youngest patients and their families.

In addition, there will be a dedicated calm space away from the busier areas of the main department where trained staff will be able to provide mental health support to patients.

And there will be a new X-ray and CT scanner to perform the necessary diagnostics to help assess patients.

United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust chief executive, Andrew Morgan, said: “This is a really-exciting stage of the transformation as we are seeing the construction work developing out of the ground.

“There is still a lot of work to be done, but it is great for everyone to see the progress that is being made.

James Gordon, associate director and healthcare lead at P+HS Architects, which designed the new building, added: “Developing a design during the pandemic had its challenges, but we used a range of tools and technology, including visualisation techniques and interactive video over Teams, to ensure everyone could participate and had a thorough understanding of proposals.

“The clinical teams, despite the huge pressures that they were under, really engaged with us to make sure that they got the solution that they wanted.

“By working together, we are going to give our patients and staff the first-class emergency department that they need and deserve for the future.”

Planning of the new department was undertaken during the COVID-19 pandemic