Published on: 27 July 2023
Work is well under way to build a new unit which will welcome patients, hosting tests and treatments which will help tackle hospital bed pressures.
The Investigation and Intervention Unit (IIU) will open later this year at Sunderland Royal Hospital following an investment of more than £2 million.
Ryder Architecture has created a series of images showing how the new unit will look.
The new space will welcome adult patients currently looked after by the Medical Day Case Unit (MDCU). It will also care for some admitted to the Day of Surgery Unit and a number of patients who have their treatment within the hospital wards and other departments.
This means beds in those areas of the hospital, including the Day of Surgery Unit (DOSA), will be freed up helping to improve patient flow through the hospital and boosting capacity.
The wide range of work the IIU will do means its launch will have a positive impact on all specialties across the hospital.
Procedures will include liver and lung biopsies, lumbar punctures, blood transfusions, infusions and vascular procedures.
It will be open from 8am to 8pm, extending available appointments.
This will allow more options and better access for patients around their work and family commitments.
Specialists from across South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust will also spend time in the unit to deliver care.
The spacious and bright space will improve the experience of patients coming in for their treatment. Its nature-inspired décor was chosen to create a calm atmosphere.
The IIU will have its own reception desk and waiting area.
It will be fitted out with comfortable chairs ready for some treatments. There will be a number of treatment rooms and private consultation spaces.
It has been set up with a view that other treatments could be offered there in years to come. This futureproofs services and prepares for increased demand.
Helen Turnbull is South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust’s Divisional Director for Theatres and Critical Care.
She said:
"This new space will be dedicated to carrying out investigations and treatments as part of their overall pathway of care.
"The unit itself is going to look fantastic.
"It will make a real difference to patients by optimising their experience and also an enhanced environment for staff to support wellbeing.
"We can’t wait to open the doors to the new unit."
The unit is being built by Robertson Construction North East and has been designed by Ryder Architecture.
The unit is being created on the hospital's B Floor, making it easy to access from a series of step-free entrances.
Hilary I'Anson, Architectural Director at Ryder, said:
"We are delighted to be involved in the creation of a dedicated Investigation and Intervention Unit at Sunderland Royal Hospital.
"We have worked closely with the IIU team to design a dedicated fit for purpose environment which will meet the demands of their work.
"Through collaboration and engagement, the internal spaces have been created with the staff and patients experience and comfort in mind."
Robertson Construction North East’s Regional Managing Director, Garry Hope, said:
"This is one of a number of contracts we have been working on with the NHS across the North East.
"This commitment by the NHS is having a positive impact on staff and patients with dedicated areas for specific services.
"The Investigation and Intervention Unit project at Sunderland Royal Hospital is a great example of this
"Our teams have a great deal of pride in the projects that we deliver for the NHS.
"We appreciate the positive impact this new unit will have for the community."
