Alder Hey Children's Hospital: New building work begins

The new hospital design was inspired by a former patient's drawing

Building work is set to get under way on the new Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool.

The new building, which is due to open in autumn 2015, will stand next to the current site in Springfield Park.

It will have 270 beds - including 48 for critical care - with most rooms including views of the park and all with easy access to play areas.

Once the new hospital is built, the old building will be demolished and the site developed to create a new park.

Olympic gymnast Beth Tweddle, who is also a patron of the hospital, will be at the groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday.

The design of the new hospital was inspired by a drawing by a former patient.

Children have been consulted throughout the process, with more than 900 giving feedback on the design.

'New chapter'

A children and young people's design group have also provided ongoing guidance and feedback to the architects throughout the process.

Louise Shepherd, Chief Executive of Alder Hey said: "The ambitious vision for a new Alder Hey began over a decade ago.

"Today marks a massive achievement that is testimony to the hard work, perseverance and dedication of many people involved during that time.

"On behalf of everyone at Alder Hey, I would like to thank all those who have helped make this day possible. We can now all look forward to an exciting future."

Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson added: "The new Alder Hey will place our city at the forefront of the treatment of young people, providing the very best care for children and their families, within a beautiful green setting.

"I'm now looking forward to work progressing quickly, so this wonderful hospital can begin a new chapter in its history."