James visited the site of the Midlands Metropolitan University Hospital (MMUH) in Smethwick today, as he met with Chief Executive Richard Beeken and inspected the progress being made.
Following earlier setbacks, work is now on course to be completed in 2024, and the MMUH will serve as the main provider of acute care for Sandwell and West Birmingham which will benefit James’s constituents in Rowley Regis.
The hospital will provide same day emergency care for adults, as well as a dedicated children’s emergency department and assessment unity, maternity and neonatal services and a sickle cell and thalassemia centre.
“I was really pleased to see that we have good progress on the site and that completion is getting ever closer", said James. "Having lobbied the Government to invest in a new hospital for Sandwell it is great to see it taking shape and see configuration in place on the ward I visited.
“The setbacks in the building work have been frustrating for all concerned, but I pay tribute to everyone who has been involved in this project for making it work.”
Richard Beeken, Chief Executive Officer of Sandwell & West Birmingham NHS Trust, added “I am grateful to James Morris MP for joining us on Friday to tour the new Midland Metropolitan University Hospital and find out more about the opportunities the hospital brings to further enhance the local area. We are committed to working with partners across Birmingham and the Black Country to join up travel plans, support the economy, provide local jobs and create inspiring community spaces.
“Mr Morris has been a great advocate of the new hospital since its inception and has continued to demonstrate a commitment to local investment to support our communities.”
