Kier has completed the refurbishment of a new facility for NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) in Southampton to support the drive for blood donation in the region.
Situated within Concept House in Eastleigh, the project has seen the transformation of existing office space into a blood donation centre, forming part an NHS drive to encourage more people to donate blood and combat low stock supplies.
Blood is needed to save lives in emergencies, treat cancer and ensure many thousands of people with debilitating long-term conditions can live close to normal lives. Over 400 appointments a week will be held at the new permanent centre, with the blood donated saving up to 1,200 lives.
The Concept House project - procured through the SCAPE National Construction Framework – was delivered in 14 weeks by principal contractor Kier Places, working in partnership with multi-disciplinary consultancy Pick Everard, who delivered architecture, structural engineering and M&E services.
In addition to nine donation beds and individual consultation rooms, a new kitchen, waiting area and an environmentally controlled storage unit have been created, with existing mechanical and engineering (M&E) elements stripped out and replaced to healthcare standards.
The opening comes during the week of World Sickle Cell Day (Thursday 19 June). A particular type of blood is urgently needed to treat patients with sickle cell disease – the country’s fastest growing genetic disorder that affects people of Black heritage. Around 50 per cent of people from Black Caribbean and Black African heritage have a blood subtype called RO, which is used primarily to treat people with sickle cell.
Steve Donachy, area manager for Building Solutions, part of Kier Places, said: "The new centre is vital for NHSBT and we couldn’t be more pleased with the outcome, and most importantly, the impact the facility is now going to have on patients and their care.
“We are set-up to deliver rapid refurbishment schemes, working with the right people and supply chain - this is especially important given the urgency for blood. Concept House is the perfect example of taking an existing building space and repurposing it - at pace - into a high-quality healthcare facility.
“The collaboration between all of the partners – NHSBT, Kier, Pick Everard – was absolutely critical in the rapid completion and the result is a fantastic new donation centre for the local community."
