Heartbeat: Bringing Midland Met to life
April 21, 2021
Building a world-class healthcare facility is no easy feat. Hospitals need to meet the healthcare needs of the communities they serve, but more than that they need to stand up to all of the challenges of modern life and offer patients, colleagues and visitors the facilities they deserve as standard and so much more.
Opening a new hospital takes strategic vision, meticulous planning and expert execution. It takes architects, engineers, medical professionals along with countless trades to design, develop and open a hospital, or as in our case, move facilities from two other sites to our new flagship hospital, the Midland Metropolitan University Hospital.
From concept to the delivery, there is so much to consider when opening a new hospital. That’s why we caught up with Richard Molloy, Construction Specialist to find out more about how he’s helping to make our vision a reality.
Richard told us: “I have 30 years’ experience in the construction industry, predominantly working in project management based roles. Over the years, I have worked on projects ranging from schools, universities, industrial buildings, shopping centres, commercial offices and large acute hospital facilities.”
Speaking of the focus of his role, Richard explained: “I manage key relationships between the Trust, clinical teams and Balfour Beatty, whilst advising the Trust on construction matters. This current contract with Balfour Beatty is very collaborative and requires consistent dialogue to ensure we all meet the programme deadlines in place for us all.”
Richard continued: “Ensuring we offer the highest standard of patient care is our top priority. One of the main aspects that will influence patient care is ensuring that Balfour Beatty delivers the highest quality product. Being able to offer an enhanced patient environment and support services all starts with the build.
“A well-designed space will offer clinical colleagues the opportunity to provide enhanced patient care. It doesn’t stop there either – we will be working with stakeholders across the organisation to ensure we offer the most effective technology solutions and equipment. It’s an exciting project to be a part of as it will directly impact patients, and that is something I am proud to be a part of.”
Speaking of challenges, Richard explained: “We’ve had to navigate our way through the pandemic. As a big build, this could have had a significant impact, but have worked around this by implementing strict COVID secure measures such as installing dedicated handwashing stations and giving all staff onsite snoods to stop the risk of transmission. On a personal level, I’ve managed to work between the project offices and also from home. I’m lucky that my three children are teenagers and need little input from me with homeschooling.
Reflecting on just how far the project has come, Richard said: “Large acute healthcare projects are the most complex building types to build and commission just behind nuclear projects. The complexity reflects why it can sometimes seem like it takes a long time for these projects to become operational. In the long term, it’s worth it. I, for one, am looking forward to the day we can open the doors of Midland Met to staff and patients.”
Outside of work, Richard enjoys sports and often pushes himself to seek out new challenges. “I like anything to do with sports. I’m a coach for a local under 16s rugby team. I also love swimming, running and cycling in my spare time and have entered an ironman triathlon for later this year in Spain along with a 7km swim along the River Wye. I’m also a thrill seeker and enjoy anything that gets the adrenaline pumping. I completed a charity skydive last year and I’m always looking for my next challenge. All ideas welcome.”