Vinci is converting a building at Bangor University to create a new hospital
Vinci Construction UK is building two “Rainbow” hospitals at Deeside Leisure Centre and Bangor University in Wales to treat coronavirus patients.
Renamed Ysbyty Enfys Glannau Dyfrdwy (Rainbow Hospital Deeside) and Ysbyty Enfys Bangor (Rainbow Hospital Bangor), the two hospitals, which would normally take months to complete, are being fast-tracked. They will provide a total of 670 additional beds to meet increased demands over the next few weeks and months.
The Rainbow Hospital Bangor
Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) is working in partnership with local authorities and military planners to establish the hospitals so they can begin providing care for patients by the end of April. A third hospital – at the Venue Cymru hospital in Llandudno – is being transformed by the local authority to offer 350 beds.
Vinci is delivering the work as part of Integrated Health Projects (IHP) under the Welsh Health Framework. IHP is a joint venture between Vinci Construction and Sir Robert McAlpine and is also leading on the development of the Nightingale field hospital in Manchester.
Vinci began work last weekend to demolish the 16,000 sq. ft indoor wooden skate park at Deeside Leisure Centre, which will be converted into the main ward space for the hospital. When it is completed Rainbow Hospital Deeside will have 430 beds and Rainbow Hospital Bangor 250.
Work at the Rainbow Hospital Deeside involves the demolition of an ice rink
John Roberts, regional managing director of Vinci Construction, said: “This is the latest in a number of projects where our teams have led from the front to help support the NHS at this time of national emergency. It’s a privilege to play a part and it has been amazing to see how everyone has collaborated in just a matter of days to turn this hospital around. Everyone’s attitude has been remarkable, and I couldn’t be prouder. We are all focused on getting these beds ready to help save lives.”
Rainbow Hospital Deeside
Mark Polin, chair of Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, said: “It’s entirely fitting that our temporary hospitals should reflect the symbol of hope and solidarity with NHS staff and other key workers that has become so synonymous with the region’s response to covid-19. Our staff have been incredibly moved by the outpouring of support from the general public, including the many images of rainbows displayed in the windows of homes across North Wales. We have also been inundated with very generous offers of help from partner organisations, businesses and members of the public. By working together, we can meet the challenges of the difficult few weeks and months ahead.”
Vinci Construction has teams working across six hospitals in Wales and the north west of England either to establish field hospitals from scratch, to refurbish existing units or create critical care wards ahead of schedule to provide the NHS with extra capacity.
