Robertson undertaking refurbishment and ward upgrade for Airedale General Hospital

Airedale General Hospital in West Yorkshire is undergoing phased maintenance and refurbishment works to improve patient services and assure a safe environment for both patients and staff.

The works, which are being carried out in a live hospital environment, commenced in January and are being delivered by Robertson Construction Yorkshire and East Midlands (YEM) for Airedale NHS Foundation Trust. Works comprise of car park improvements; refurbishments to wards and clinic areas; and structural reinforcement.

The structural works will see the strengthening and maintenance of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) panels.

A total of 22 wards are to be either refurbished or maintained, with Robertson having nearly completed work on three wards which have been fully refurbished, whilst crucial services have been temporarily relocated within the hospital to mitigate disturbance.

Airedale has been added to the New Hospital Programme – the government's commitment to building 40 new hospitals by 2030. Cheshire's Leighton Hospital, which is currently having its structural works and refurbishment delivered by Robertson Construction North West, is also included in the New Hospital Programme.

Jonathan Sizer, managing director, Robertson Construction YEM, said: "As the chosen delivery partner for these important works, we have liaised closely with the Trust to deliver the works in phases to minimise disruption and put patient safety at the forefront.

"Robertson Construction has worked in partnership with the NHS for almost 50 years, so understands the need to continually improve the patient and staff experience with better quality environments. The works that we are undertaking will provide a safer environment and supports Airedale Hospital in providing its essential services to the local community.

"As part of our commitment to the communities where we work, we have also supported the surrounding community through the employment of local people on site, procuring our supply chain locally where possible, and providing 140 weeks' worth of apprenticeships."

Richard Burgin, RAAC Estates project manager at AGH Solutions, Airedale NHS Foundation Trust's estates and facilities subsidiary, said: "The programme of work being carried out at Airedale is very complex, with multiple areas of the hospital undergoing structural support work simultaneously.

"We have welcomed the clear and pragmatic approach Robertson bring to this work, helping us to minimise disruption to crucial patient services."

Airedale NHS Foundation Trust is awarding project phases to Robertson Construction YEM through its Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS).