Express & Star

The Walsall skyline: What a difference 10 years can make

A decade has passed between these two photographs and the multi-million pound transformation of a hospital has left it looking almost unrecognisable on the West Midlands skyline.

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These pictures show how Walsall Manor Hospital changed in the decade between 2000 and 2010, and the results of a £170 million revamp.

Outdated buildings were replaced to provide facilities including operating theatres and single sex bays, with bosses claiming it was a 'milestone' for Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust.

In 2000, the Pleck Road hospital had many buildings that were no longer 'fit for purpose', but by 2006 work began on constructing the modular block including elderly care and stroke wards. The scheme for the site was commissioned through a private finance initiative in November 2007, allowing private investors to pay for new hospital facilities up front in return for regular payments over the next 35 years.

Richard Kirby, chief executive at the trust, said the benefits brought by the transformation had been great. He said: "The hospital previously consisted of outdated buildings, which were no longer fit for purpose.

"These were replaced to provide state-of-the-art facilities for our patients; seven new operating theatres, single rooms and single sex bays in an eco-friendly, light and airy building, providing a better atmosphere for not only our patients but also their relatives and carers, and visitors to the trust. The majority of hospital-based clinical services are now located under one roof, with easy access around the hospital to departments and wards."

Claire Keeling, who has worked at the trust for 22 years and is a matron for outpatient services, said it had been an exciting time for staff and patients.

She said: "I worked in the old Sister Dora outpatients and now work in our new outpatient and day case centre, which is double the size and provides much better surroundings for both our patients and colleagues."

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