My Part in Midland Met

From now until 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’m Holly Burns, and I joined SWB in March 2023 as Midland Met project support for the staff induction and familiarisation programme.

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

My role supports and coordinates our staff induction programme for all colleagues moving to Midland Met.

The staff induction and familiarisation programme will help colleagues familiarise themselves with the hospital, learn about where their new department will be and all the new equipment, plus health and safety and role-based requirements on site.

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

We are supporting all impacted departments to create an online role-based induction as well as a general induction. It will help colleagues to become familiar with all requirements ahead of moving, and it will also include site tours.

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

The biggest benefit for me will be the way healthcare is currently delivered. Single rooms will significantly reduce infection control, and providing care using a modern hospital will enhance the overall patient experience.

Have you been on a site tour? If so, can you share any photos and your feedback with us?

I’ve had the chance to enjoy my first site tour; I got out on site on the day it snowed, and it looked fantastic.

I was impressed with the building, from all the wards I saw to the underground car parks.

The design allows so much natural light in, and navigation around the hospital will be simple for patients to follow. The Winter Garden will provide places to eat, meet, enjoy our art gallery and use the spiritual care centre, to name but a few things. Level 5 is by far the most visually impressive floor for me.

More Than Awards

The opening of the new Midland Metropolitan University Hospital in 2024 presents a unique opportunity to transform stroke care services. Thanks to a ground-breaking new project led by Clair Finnemore, Therapy Lead for Stroke Services, stroke patients are set to receive faster, more efficient care through the creation of an integrated community stroke service (ICSS).

Launching in May 2023, the integrated community stroke service (ICSS) project will establish new domiciliary stroke rehabilitation services in line with national and regional stroke strategies, creating integrated community stroke specialist teams who will provide intensive, specialist therapy services in the comfort of patients' homes. This home-first model of care will reduce hospital stays, freeing up beds and streamlining the patient journey.

A physiotherapist by trade, Clair is helping to transform stroke services by decoupling acute stroke and rehabilitation services.