Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals’ (BSUH) plans for the £420 million redevelopment of the Royal Sussex County Hospital (RSCH) have been approved by Brighton and Hove City Council today. The project, which will bring about significant improvements for patients, staff and visitors, was approved in a special meeting of the Council’s 12-member Planning Committee. The publicly funded redevelopment will replace outdated and poorly designed buildings on the RSCH site with two new healthcare facilities. It will take eight years to complete and be split into three stages. Organising the project in this way will allow the Hospital to continue operating as a major acute teaching hospital throughout the redevelopment.
Speaking after the decision Duncan Selbie, Chief Executive of BSUH said:
“This is an historic day for the NHS and for our patients and staff, and will benefit countless thousands of people for decades to come. It will bring investment of almost half a billion pounds which will generate jobs, revenue for local businesses and create a teaching hospital befitting the population we serve. We owe a debt of thanks to many and especially the Editor of The Argus, Michael Beard, and his team, who have supported our application from day one and whose constant reinforcement of this vital opportunity undoubtedly played a major part in making the case for common sense and progress.”
BSUH will now begin preparations for the redevelopment which will include putting up two temporary buildings on site and preparing St Mary’s Hall to become the administration and management hub for the hospital. Once the reconfiguration of the site is completed main construction will start on Stage 1 in the early summer of 2013. This building, the larger of the two new facilities, will house the majority of the improved services and be complete in 2017. Stage 2, which will contain the new Sussex Cancer Centre and be topped with accessible roof gardens, will be complete in 2020.
For further information contact Director of Communications Rachel Clinton on 01273 664911
Read more on the 3Ts pages
