A significant milestone in the construction of Colchester Hospital’s new cancer centre will be reached in the coming days.
Steel work, which will form the first phase of the structure of the Collingwood Centre, will be craned into position over the weekend.
Stroods Specialist Contractors will be on site from 7.30am to 4pm on Saturday and Sunday (16 and 17 February) to carry out the work, which may have an impact on staff, patients and visitors arriving at the hospital.
The crane will be outside Gainsborough Wing so there will be no access to the two car parks immediately in front of the unit so all visitors, including Blue Badge holders, will need to use the main visitors’ car park at the front of the main hospital building. The road in front of Gainsborough Wing will also be closed for general vehicular access.
Nick Chatten, acting Director of Estates and Facilities at East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust (ESNEFT), at Colchester Hospital site, said: “Contractors will be on hand to direct patients, visitors and traffic to ensure their safety at all times. The drop-off zone outside Gainsborough Wing will be restricted for blue light vehicle and emergency access only and this will be managed by the banksmen.
“We apologise for any inconvenience caused, but this necessary phase in the construction of the Collingwood Centre is key to the project progressing and ultimately improving care for cancer patients in north Essex.
“You will notice the state-of-the-art unit will soon start to take shape after this work has taken place.”
The project has been funded by the Cancer Centre Campaign, a £3.25million appeal run by the Colchester and Ipswich Hospitals Charity. There is now £182,000 left to raise to complete the fundraising campaign to build the Collingwood Centre and Wellness Centre, which will offer counselling and support services to patients and their loved ones.
To find out how you can donate, visit Colchester & Ipswich Hospitals Charity website (opens in a new page)
Pictured: Leon Seccombe (contracts manager) and Adam Gillibrand (Site manager) with John Fulcher and Caroline Bates.
Back to top