The Princess Royal officially opens Forest of Dean Community Hospital

Posted: 14 June 2024

On Friday 7 June, ONE was delighted to attend the formal opening of the Forest of Dean Community Hospital, where the Princess Royal performed the official opening.

The new purpose-built BREEAM Excellent hospital, which was opened by Princess Anne, efficiently consolidates the healthcare estate replacing two older buildings: Dilke Memorial Hospital and Lydney Community Hospital.

The new facility will efficiently alleviate pressure on acute hospitals, reduce patient waiting times (with less time in A and E/acute hospitals) and provide integrated care systems that will transform local health provision with cost efficiency and better service delivery.

ONE has taken the role of Lead Designer and Principal Designer with ONE’s architects and engineers working closely with Speller Metcalfe and Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust on this fantastic new build project.

The design includes a 24-bed inpatient ward and brings together a range of inpatient and outpatient services: local urgent care/minor injury units and out of hours service, x-ray, radiology and ultrasound services, consulting and treatment rooms for outpatient clinics, a children’s clinic area, endoscopy suite, clinic space for dentistry and/or podiatry and a purpose-built therapy gym for rehabilitation.

As well as community areas within the hospital e.g. a group room and shop, the skate park (previously on the land) is being relocated nearby with other improvements making the new hospital a central focus within the community.

Abz Randera, Director at ONE and Lead Architect on the project, said: “ Its brilliant that the new hospital is now in use by patients and staff after being successfully delivered on site and it was a privilege to attend the official opening.”

“To hear the fantastic feedback from everyone including the Princess Royal herself, is absolutely amazing. A wonderful day and incredibly rewarding to know the difference that this new community hospital is already making for local people.”

Visit the BBC’s website to view their coverage including the wonderful comments from Princess Anne and patients of the new hospital: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c511lzd04r2o