Vaughan Gething AM, Minister for Health and Social Services led the topping out ceremony today at the new £350m-The Grange University Hospital being built in Cwmbran.
WATCH a video showing the first rooms to be fitted out
The Grange University Hospital is part of Aneurin Bevan University Health Board’s Clinical Futures Programme, which is transforming how health services are delivered across the Gwent region.
The Welsh Government-funded The Grange University Hospital is being built by Laing O’Rourke. It is due to be open early in 2021 and construction has currently reached the highest point of the building.
To mark this milestone the Health Minister ceremonially poured some concrete before an audience of invited guests and the construction team from Laing O’Rourke together with representatives and staff from the Health Board.
Health Minister Vaughan Gething, said: “The new hospital will provide both separate emergency and specialist care, ensuring Aneurin Bevan University Health Board can maintain the highest standards of care.
“The project is an excellent example of Welsh Government funding creating health, education and economy benefits for the local area.”
Judith Paget, Chief Executive of Aneurin Bevan University Health Authority, said: “The Grange University Hospital represents a key milestone in our Clinical Futures Programme – our plan to deliver NHS health services that are of the highest quality and fit for the future.
“This brand new, modern facility will enhance the care we are able to offer to our patients alongside our existing hospital sites and the important work that goes on in our communities to keep people healthy and out of hospital whenever possible.
“I would like to personally thank all our staff in the Health Board who continue to work hard to make this new hospital – and future models of care – a reality.
“We couldn’t make Clinical Futures and this new hospital happen without the support of our partners and the close working relationships we have with them.
Ann Lloyd CBE, Chair of Aneurin Bevan University Health Board added ”One of my first official engagements as Chair of the Health Board was to attend the cutting of the first sod ceremony in July 2017. We have come a long way since then and just 20 months later, The Grange University Hospital is almost built.
“I should like to thank everyone who has supported us in the building of this new hospital, including the Welsh Government, Health Minister Vaughan Gething, Lyn Neagle AM for Torfaen and the Leader of Torfaen County Borough Council, Councillor Anthony Hunt.”
The Grange University Hospital is prominent on the skyline above Cwmbran.
Laing O’Rourke’s Project Director, Mike Lewis, said: “The Grange will leave a lasting legacy for the South East Wales region and the local community in Cwmbran and once again highlights how our engineering expertise and DfMA (Design for Manufacture and Assembly) is delivering a high quality building for the Aneurin Bevan University Health Board and will result in the second half of the construction programme finishing on or before schedule.”
Victoria Head, Associate Director at Gleeds, said: “Through working collaboratively with Aneurin Bevan University Health Board and Laing O’Rourke for over five years, we have built some solid relationships and continue to develop these as others join the project. We continue to be a very proud and supportive partner and value our involvement in such a prestigious project in South Wales.”