The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust has unveiled new cutting-edge resuscitation facilities at Russells Hall Hospital's emergency department.

Designed by AFL Architects and built by Speller Metcalfe, the scheme followed a successful 2020 redevelopment bid and is intended to transform emergency care while providing the extra resuscitation capacity needed over the next decade.

The expanded unit features dedicated paediatric areas and new isolation rooms to support safe treatment during any future pandemics or outbreaks.

An upgraded bereavement suite offers a more comfortable and private environment for relatives and carers at difficult times.

The £12 million project brings advanced technology and equipment into service, supporting the NHS's shift from analogue to digital systems. This includes a digital medicines platform to enhance the storage, use and prescribing of drugs.

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Dudley Group chief executive Diane Wake said: "The vision for this incredible project began prior to the COVID pandemic and it is a great honour and a real testament to the hard work and determination of so many people to be able to open this new development.

"It is a defining moment for our Trust and will have huge benefits not only for the people of Dudley and the wider Black Country community, but also for our staff through revolutionary new facilities and care equipment that they can utilise in full."

Dudley Mayor Councillor Peter Lee joined local MPs Mike Wood, Cat Eccles and Sonia Kumar, along with hospital staff, to cut the ribbon ahead of the public opening.

Alongside the main construction, Speller Metcalfe delivered the full clinical fit-out and undertook external car parking works. The scheme has been designed to achieve BREEAM Excellent, supporting the Trust’s sustainability goals.

Rob Lashford, regional director at Speller Metcalfe said: "Working in a live hospital is always a complex and sensitive undertaking, with the building operating 24/7, and it is fantastic to see the Trust able to realise its transformation plans, which are already having an immediate positive impact on the patient experience and staff operations."

The development also provides new areas for specialist staff training, strengthening the Trust's personal development framework and its ambition to secure university status.

The project was managed by the Trust's Private Finance Initiative partners, Mitie and Summit Healthcare.