Great Western Hospital, Swindon
Architect: Whicheloe Macfarlane (now part of BDP)
Customer: Carillion
Client: Swindon & Marlborough NHS Trust
The Great Western Hospital was officially opened in 2003 in the first wave of the now controversial Private Finance Initiative. It replaced the now demolished Princess Margaret Hospital, (PMH), erected in 1957, with the main block for decades being an instantly recognisable landmark, particularly for those travelling along the M4 past Swindon.
The Princess Margaret Hospital was already serving more than 191,000 people in 1966. The Great Western Hospital, (GWH), now serves 300,000. The Great Western Hospital is a modern hospital providing emergency care, surgery, diagnostics, paediatrics, maternity, out patient and day case services.
The GWH is superbly designed and equipped and offers a first class environment for patients, visitors and staff, with over 30% of beds provided in single rooms with en-suite facilities, helping maintain patients’ privacy and dignity whilst under care.
With more than 600 beds, the GWH offers a range of services and facilities from a busy Emergency Department, a dynamic radiology department and one of the best maternity units in the country which includes a birthing pool.
The technical challenges facing a 2000+ door requirement, with the range of finishes, performance criteria, and legislative demands, were significant. Particular pride can be taken in the quality of the marquetry laminates illustrating palm trees in the children’s areas.
The hospital was one of the first to be built under the Private Finance Initiative at a cost of £148m, with Carillion as the lead contractor.
