Demolition work has now begun on two wards at Stepping Hill Hospital, as part of the long term project to improve the site.

Medical wards A12 and A15, which are based on a corridor leading from the old headquarters building, are now being demolished as part of a long term plan of enhancing and modernising the site. The plan includes reducing old and aging areas of the estate that are no longer fit for purpose.

A12 and A15 were emptied a number of months ago and patient beds were transferred to other wards. The area has been cordoned off with minimal disruption to staff, patients and visitors.

The wards have been in use for several decades, and have seen hospital teams care for many hundreds of patients on them over the years. Many staff have been reminiscing about them and working on the wards earlier in their careers.  

The cost in terms of maintenance and repair of wards of this age means it is more cost effective to replace them with newer facilities. The opening of the hospital’s surgical and medical unit in 2017, with its state-of-the-art new acute medical unit, went a long way towards providing an improved environment.

This work is happening alongside other hospital improvements including enhancement of the emergency department (A&E), which will shortly be completed.

Hugh Mullen, Director of Strategy, Planning & Partnerships and Deputy Chief Executive at the trust said “Staff who have worked there may be sad to see Wards A12 and A15 go, but in terms of being fit for purpose they have had their day. The cost of repairs and maintenance on wards of that age continually add up, and make them more expensive than newer ones in the long run. We are very glad to be able to continue our improvement of the Stepping Hill Hospital site, and ensure it is fit to provide quality care for patients for many years into the future.”