A vital new care facility
Hundreds of cancer patients are being treated at a specialist £63 million London hospital, which we have been proud to build. The UCH Macmillan Cancer Centre is named after the Macmillan charity, which donated £10 million towards its funding.
The five-storey building, with an area of 14,000sqm, was designed by Hopkins Architects.
An incomparable project
John Birch, Skanska’s project director, said: “This was by far the most interesting and rewarding project I have worked on in my career. I don’t think that I will ever work on a project like this again. What we have done here really makes a difference to people’s lives. It can mean the difference between life and death. Nothing compares to this.”
Our flexible approach
A challenge that emerged late in the programme was to ensure the hospital became home to the latest technology, specifically the world’s first PET MR machine. This creates detailed body scans, allowing patients to benefit from the latest technological advances while reducing their exposure to radiation.
It was nearly halfway through the project when the client approached us to accommodate the installation of this machine, which weighed 10 tonnes, or the equivalent of 10 family cars.
We worked in close collaboration with the NHS to change the construction programme. Our team of professionals redesigned a whole floor to enable the machine’s installation. This was achieved within the original time frame and budget.
Improving the patient experience
The hospital is rated excellent by BREEAM, the world’s leading sustainability assessment method for infrastructure and buildings.
One of the environmental design innovations – a glazing system – maximises the benefit of natural light, creating a pleasant environment for patients and staff. This was an important feature as it is widely acknowledged that natural light promotes a feeling of wellbeing, which aids the recovery of sick, vulnerable patients.
Engaging with the local community
We are committed to minimising the impact of its construction projects on residents and the local community. Working with the community and building up good relationships was a key objective of this project.
Overcoming objections
During the planning process, the team worked with their neighbours to overcome objections that were initially put forward against the construction of the new hospital.
Common ground was achieved by introducing strict delivery hours to minimise noise at sensitive times, and regular two-way communications took place through updates and monthly meetings with local residents.
Finding out more
More about our services for Healthcare
Our work with Bart’s and London hospitals
Our work with New Papworth Hospital
Our New Karolinska Solna project
