The feasibility study has been a team effort: A partnership between the
Forever Friends team, the medical staff, the RUH facilities team, parents,
architects and engineers. It has been challenging but extremely rewarding
experience.

As an architect it is a project which makes you want to “get out of the bed
in the morning”; to create a facility which we hope will have a real influence
and improve the outcomes for vulnerable babies, their parents and the
amazing staff who look after them.

The current assessment of the existing NICU is that it is not fit for purpose
either in terms of the quantum or quality of space. Staff, patients and
parents coexist in cramped, inefficiently laid out and poorly lit conditions.

Options were considered for various locations for a new NICU as part of an
overall business case including both complete new-build and extension to
the existing facility. The ability to connect directly to the Delivery Suite within
the Princess Anne Wing was a fix in all options considered.

The proposal consists of a single storey new-build extension, and the
refurbishment of the space occupied by the existing NICU facility. The newbuild element accommodates the clinical, support and reception functions as a discreet but contemporary intervention between the Princess Anne Wing and the Wolfeson building. The refurbished element comprises staff and parents’ facilities. The two elements are linked by a new ‘umbilicus’ which also provides an access point for emergency vehicles. The new building encloses an external courtyard space which provides both vista and breakout from reception and parents areas.

Separation of the new build element from the existing will allow it to be
completed with minimum disruption to the life of the existing NICU. On
completion, occupation of the new building will free the existing area for
refurbishment.

It is proposed that the new-build is built onto the existing north / south
circulation corridor between the Princess Anne Wing and the RUH. The
existing, sub-standard staff changing facilities in this location would be
demolished and relocated elsewhere.

The layout proposed for the new NICU is clear and logical. It is clearly zoned for the different functions accommodated as shown on the plan diagram. The zones define clear divisions for infection control and access.