A foundation stone has been unveiled at Chesterfield Hospital site in Clifton, marking a milestone in the £20m redevelopment project to create a state-of-the-art medical facility for Bristol.
The outdated 1970s hospital on the site is being replaced by Nuffield Health in a scheme that includes the sympathetic restoration of the Grade-II listed Georgian merchant’s house – one of Clifton’s oldest buildings.
The unveiling ceremony was led by Nuffield Health chairman Mike Smith. Performing one of his last duties before retiring at the end of this month, he said: “The new Chesterfield Hospital will provide a fantastic new medical facility for Bristol residents, creating the first digital hospital in the area and a centre of excellence in minimally invasive surgery.
“It gives me great pleasure to unveil this foundation stone, which signifies our 50 years of healthcare heritage in the city, and an exciting future at the cutting-edge of 21stcentury medicine and patient care.”
Also attending the event were hospital director Ashley Livesey, the charity’s CEO David Mobbs and members of the local business community including James Durie, director of Bristol Chamber of Commerce.
Mr Livesey added: “The Chesterfield will not only make use of the latest medical technology, but we are also investing in the building itself to ensure we have energy efficiency and sustainability at its core.
“We are also committed to preserving Bristol’s heritage, returning the historic Georgian façade to its former glory.”
Construction on the new hospital begins this month and it is due to open next summer. Nuffield Health is the UK’s largest not-for-profit healthcare provider with 200 hospitals, fitness and wellbeing centres, medical clinics and corporate facilities.
Pictured: Nuffield Health chairman Mike Smith, left, with Ashley Livesey
