James welcomed a Minister from the Department of Health & Social Care (DHSC) to Sandwell on Friday 15th March, as they toured the new Midland Metropolitan University Hospital which will open later this year.
James joined Lord Markham, a Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at DHSC with responsibility for NHS capital, land and estates, as well as local NHS leaders for a tour of the new facility. Despite earlier setbacks in the project, it is due to open in October 2024.
The new facility will include a purpose-built emergency department with imaging and diagnostic services, a dedicated department for children’s emergencies, adults and children's wards, operating theatres, a midwife-led birthing unit, a neonatal unit and a sickle cell and thalassaemia centre.
“I lobbied ministers in Government to invest in a new hospital for Sandwell, and despite the earlier setbacks it is exciting to see that the hospital is nearly ready for opening", said James.
“It was a significant day for everyone involved in the project, and I want to thank Lord Markham for taking the time to come and visit. The new hospital is going to be a first-class facility and no less than people across Sandwell and West Birmingham deserve.”
Rachel Barlow, Managing Director of the Midland Metropolitan University Hospital (Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust) added, “This is a significant milestone and means we will start installing major radiology and pathology equipment and continue to test our security infrastructure, as well as commission the automated guided vehicles which are critical to our logistics strategy.
“It is an exciting time for our population and our staff as the new hospital, which will open later this year, will improve the experiences and outcomes of our patients, bringing a positive impact to the local community.”
Lord Markham CBE, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department of Health & Social Care, also added, “It was a pleasure to join James Morris MP in Smethwick at Midlands Metropolitan University Hospital to see the recent progress that has been made.
“James has been a tireless supporter of this project for the benefit of his constituents, and it was great to hear about the strong partnership working between the Trust and its suppliers to complete the final parts of this build.
“I look forward to seeing this state-of-the-art new hospital open its door to patients later this year.”
