Project Update: Neonatal Intensive Care Unit expansion at Arrowe Park Hospital

We’re proud to share the latest on the exciting works underway at Arrowe Park Hospital in Wirral, where a vital project is progressing to expand and enhance the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) for Wirral University Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (WUTH).

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The £1.5 million, charity-supported scheme – led by Walker Sime as Project Manager – is being delivered in collaboration with Modero (Cost Management), Day Architectural (Architect), Progressive Services Design (Mechanical & Electrical Engineers) and John Turner Construction as Principal Contractor. The programme is set over a five-month construction period and aims to create a significantly improved clinical space for staff and a more welcoming, supportive environment for babies and their families.

A delicate start: successful department relocation

Before construction could begin, the entire Neonatal Department – including intensive care, high dependency, nursery spaces, staff areas, storage, and vital equipment – needed to be temporarily relocated to a vacant ward on the first floor. This complex operation required careful planning and close coordination with multiple stakeholders, especially to ensure the safe move of the babies. Walker Sime’s project management team played a crucial role in liaising with the Trust, medical staff, contractors and other key parties to oversee every detail of the relocation. In June, this operation saw 16 babies safely transferred to the new space in just five hours. The move was coordinated seamlessly by Walker Sime and the Trust and completed without a single incident — a true testament to the collaboration, meticulous planning and professionalism of everyone involved. WUTH produced bulletins on the move, celebrating this milestone and sharing the positive outcomes with staff and families alike.

Safe hands: Staff carefully transferring one of the 16 babies during the successful Neonatal Department relocation at Arrowe Park Hospital

Engaging families in the process

As part of a collaborative design approach, the Trust and project team hosted a special engagement event, inviting parents and families to give feedback on proposed colour schemes and design features for the new space. Their input is shaping a more inclusive, comforting environment that feels less clinical and more personal.

Some visuals of colour options from engagement event with parents and families

Looking ahead

Now that the relocation is complete and construction is underway, the team is focused on delivering a modern, purpose-built neonatal environment that meets current clinical standards while supporting the emotional wellbeing of families.

We’re excited to see this project evolve over the coming months and will continue to share key milestones as they unfold.

Stay tuned for further updates as we help shape a brighter future for newborn care on the Wirral.

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