13 June 2012
New BRI Welcome Centre given go-ahead
Full planning permission has been granted for the new Bristol
Royal Infirmary Welcome Centre, which will transform the entrance
to Bristol's city centre hospital, making it more welcoming for
patients, staff and visitors.
Bristol City Council has approved the new entrance to the
Bristol Royal Infirmary Queen's Building on Upper Maudlin Street,
which will include:
- An improved main entrance and reception area
- Clearer circulation routes and patient orientation
- A range of retail provision to serve staff and patients
Robert Woolley, chief executive, said:
"Altering the front entrance to our main hospital precinct has
been something I have wanted to achieve for many years, I am
delighted that we will finally have an outstanding, welcoming,
bright entrance for the many hundreds of thousands of patients and
visitors we care for each year."
Andy Headdon, strategic programme director for University
Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust, said:
"The front of the building will be built out towards the road
with a two storey extension creating a new entrance near to where
it is now. An entrance concourse will lead into the reception area
where patients and visitors will have access to a range of
facilities such as Patient Support and Complaints, pharmacy, a café
and a food retailer.
"The clearer routes and well defined spaces will improve way
finding and orientation around the building."
Prior to the submission of the planning application the Trust
spoke to hospital users and the local community to gain their views
on the design and layout of the centre.
Tony Watkin, public involvement lead for the Trust, said: "The
Trust is really pleased to be working with members of the Bristol
Physical Access Chain and other patients to make sure the design of
the centre meets the access needs of all its potential users."
The Trust will start work on the Welcome Centre this summer and
it is expected to be completed by the end of 2013.
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