Trauma service boosted with completion of new link bridge between two Trusts

Major trauma services at Aintree University Hospital and The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust have been boosted with the completion of a new link bridge connecting the hospitals.

The bridge, constructed by VINCI Construction UK, enables the seamless transfer of seriously ill patients with head injuries from the Emergency Department at Aintree University Hospital, to specialists at The Walton Centre.

Other patients will also benefit from easier and quicker transfer between hospitals for specialist treatment. Until now, patients were transferred by ambulance between the two adjacent buildings.

The increased movement of staff between the hospitals will lead to a stronger working relationship between the two NHS Trusts. And visitors using the multi storey car park will have a weather-proof walkway into both hospitals/The Walton Centre (is Aintree promoting access to visitors via the bridge?)

Dr Liz Mear, Chief Executive of the Walton Centre, said: “There are immediate benefits to patients with this new link bridge as they can be brought to us without any delay; without doubt our joint provision of major trauma services has been significantly advanced with this new bridge.”

The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust is the UK’s only dedicated centre for neurology and neurosurgery, and patients requiring its treatment come from across Cheshire, Merseyside and North Wales.

Mark Thomas, Regional Director, VINCI Construction UK, Building Division – North West, said:

“With the completion of the new link-bridge the two hospitals can provide more efficient healthcare services, increasing patient recovery. Having an abundance of expertise in healthcare delivery we worked closely with the two hospitals to construct the link-bridge to the highest standard.”

The £2 million contract started in February 2012 and successfully competed in August 2012.