Chorley and South Ribble Hospital
Day Case Eye unit

Location: Chorley
Sector: Health
Division: Regional Building

Tilbury Douglas successfully delivered a new state-of-the-art Day Case and Eye Unit at Chorley District Hospital, consolidating the Ophthalmology services previously in fragmented locations into a single, efficient space.

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The new unit includes dedicated outpatient and diagnostic facilities, alongside three additional theatres, enhancing the hospital’s capacity to treat patients with eye conditions.

On the first floor, patients enter from the hospital street and move clockwise through diagnostic testing areas, then to a second, larger sub-waiting area, before finally reaching the consultation and treatment rooms. The design also includes a separate paediatric department, which can operate independently or integrate with the adult outpatient services as needed, providing flexibility in clinic management.

The second floor houses three theatres—two dedicated to ophthalmic surgery and a third for other day-case surgeries. Patients are guided seamlessly from admission through to changing areas and directly into the theatres, supported by four post-anaesthetic care unit (PACU) bays and eight second stage recovery bays, ensuring a smooth and efficient surgical process.

Understanding the needs of visually impaired patients, the design team focused on clear and intuitive wayfinding. Collaborating with user groups, they developed a color-coded zoning strategy that extended through interior design, artwork, signage, furniture, and department branding, all contributing to a calm and navigable environment.

£12m

Project value

September 2021

Completion date

Chorley and South Ribble Hospital

Client

The Ophthalmology Department faced inefficiencies due to its fragmented locations. The objective was to design a centralised facility that enhanced the overall experience for both patients and staff.

From the outset, patient flow was a priority. Ophthalmology services often require patients to undergo multiple diagnostic tests before consultations, leading to significant back-and-forth movement.

To address this, Tilbury Douglas worked closely with clinical representatives, conducting regular focus groups to refine the building’s layout. The result was a looped design that mirrored the patient journey, minimising travel distances and reducing delays.

“The team proactively engaged with clinicians and operational managers to ensure the design and construction were both aesthetically pleasing and highly functional, creating the best possible environment for our patients. They were supportive throughout, helping us develop ideas and maximise value. The aftercare has been exceptional, with prompt help, advice, and onsite support post-handover. The quality of workmanship is outstanding, and we are extremely happy with the finished building.”

Lisa McKenna, Senior Manager, Ophthalmology Services, Lancashire Teaching Hospitals

Beyond the physical build, the project delivered significant social value. It provided a 25% return on investment for the local community, employing 802 people, using 98% SMEs, and offering 243 apprentice weeks.

The new Day Case and Eye Unit at Chorley and South Ribble Hospital represents a major step forward in patient care. By consolidating services under one roof and designing with the patient journey in mind, Tilbury Douglas has helped create a facility that enhances both the efficiency and quality of care, setting a new benchmark for ophthalmology services in the region.