Heartbeat: My Part in Midland Met – Zaheer Iqbal

October 19, 2022

From now until when we move into Midland Met, we will be sharing updates with you about the many people involved in the project and the role they each play.  

The successful opening of Midland Metropolitan University Hospital relies on many people, teams and stakeholders. Once open, it will have a far reaching impact – not only on those we care for but also on colleagues and our community in terms of regeneration, jobs, housing, charitable endeavours and so much more.

Getting us to Midland Met is a team effort. We all have a part to play in making it #morethanahospital! 

How long have you been at SWB and what is your current role?  

I have been at SWB for four years now. I manage the portering and security teams cross-site. 

What part does your role contribute to the Midland Met project?

I’m involved with workforce planning for both departments, the design for our security control room and the positioning of cameras, including access control. 

How are you preparing for the opening of Midland Met in your area? 

We’ve been on site visits to see the space at Midland Met. We are engaging with workforce planning, and regular communication updates are available. 

In what ways will our new hospital help to shape your role for the better? 

The back of house will be more efficient and private for patients when transported from A to B. Our new hospital will also benefit from enhanced infection control by reducing cross-contamination due to less traffic in these areas. 

The biggest benefit that Midland Met will bring in your opinion is…  

It is our brand new acute hospital that will serve Sandwell and West Birmingham.  

It will have state-of-the-art facilities, promote regeneration of the areas around the site, and will create jobs on the back of our plans. The possibilities are endless – that is what is so fantastic about this build. 

Any other thoughts? 

I have visited the site a few times, and I can see massive improvements on each visit. The size of the hospital is breathtaking, and the large windows for the patients and families to admire the views are positive features. The décor is colour coded with natural light flooding in, and it’s a welcoming environment.

If you would like to feature in My Part in Midland Met, please email swbh.mmuh@nhs.net.