A tip top way to mark the completion of RUH centre
Providing the best therapy for patients
The final concrete has been laid on the roof of a new centre at Bath’s Royal United Hospital in a topping out ceremony.
Key donors joined RUH staff to celebrate the milestone with the finishing touches being put in place by benefactor Christina Brownsword.
Mrs Brownsword and her husband have pledged up to £1million to match every pound donated to The Forever Friends Appeal’s Therapies Matter campaign.
Due to open next year, the Royal National Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases (RNHRD) and Therapies Centre will house many of the services currently located at the RNHRD and in the RUH, namely rheumatology, therapies and pain management services.
At the ceremony on Wednesday last week, Mrs Brownsword said: “It is a great privilege to have the symbolic task of finishing the roof.
“My family and I are delighted to be supporting this important project which will benefit so many people in our local community.
“We hope our gift of £1m towards the centre will provide the best care for patients, and will encourage others who are in a position to give to support to this wonderful hospital too.”
Alan White, from Kingsdown whose sister who passed away in 2016 and left a generous legacy towards the building of the new Therapies Centre was also at the topping out.
Mr White said: “My sister, Lynne was a long-term patient at the RNHRD and the RUH and was treated for her chronic pain condition. Sadly she passed aged 62, but she would be delighted to know that we have reached this important stage in creating this new centre which will treat many patients in the future.”
RUH chief executive James Scott, Chief Executive said: “What started six months ago has now taken shape. It’s truly remarkable how much of the building works has been accomplished. This building will have a major impact on the services the hospital provides to some 25,000 people each year.”
The RNHRD and Therapies Centre is being built close to the main entrance of the RUH and will be predominately an outpatient centre providing treatment, care and education for patients to recover from episodes of illness or injury, or to manage long-term condition. It will include a hydrotherapy pool, a specialist gym and rehabilitation equipment, and a biologics treatment space to support treatment, recovery, wellbeing and management of long-term illnesses.
David Snell, operations director at Kier Construction behind the building of the centre, said: “This is an important milestone for the new RNHRD and Therapies Centre at the Royal United Hospital in Bath. Working collaboratively with the RUH team, our aim is to create a nurturing environment for patients by delivering first-class specialist facilities.
“We look forward to delivering this project that will leave a lasting legacy for the people of Bath.”
Once building work is completed and the therapy services in the RUH have moved into the RNHRD and Therapies Centre, the construction of the new Cancer Centre will begin, all part of the major redevelopment programme to make the RUH fit for the future.