The UK’s newest hospital has marked its one-year anniversary with a special event that brought its ethos of ‘more than a hospital’ to life.
The Midland Metropolitan University Hospital, run by Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust, opened on October 6 2024.
In its first year 4,750 operations have been performed, 45,217 ambulances have been seen and 463,00 patient meals have been served.
The hospital in Smethwick, officially opened in front of cheering crowds by His Majesty King Charles last month, also aims to serve its local and diverse communities by becoming a catalyst for regeneration and education.
The Midland Met – One Year On event marked those ambitions by bringing together staff, patients and local people for a memorable day filled with activities such as circus skills workshops from House of Mash, Zumba classes from Sandwell Leisure Trust and arts and crafts for all ages to enjoy.
Dhol drum players opened the day with an energetic performance, and there was also music from Cape Hill Primary School choir, and local composer Kyle Corbin who performed pieces he wrote to mark Windrush and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dancers from Birmingham-based charity Sampad Arts also performed several styles of traditional and classical South Asian dance in the Winter Garden of the Midland Met.
Bhavik Parmar, Interim Executive Director of Sampad Arts said: “We’re so excited to be here today, championing the voice of South Asian artists as part of the Midland Met’s One Year on celebration.
“Music and dance can have a positive impact on mental health and wellbeing and I’m very happy that Sampad Arts are here today so that everyone has an opportunity to discover this first-hand.”
The One Year On event also incorporated the Trust’s Annual General Meeting, which shone a spotlight on the success stories of the previous year.
Attendees heard the story of 59-year-old Keith Brews, who was a patient in critical care in November last year, after suffering a cardiac arrest whilst working for the event company that he owns with his wife Jenni.
The audience heard how the new hospital became home to Jenni for five weeks as commuting to and from their home in Wales proved impossible. Jenni was full of praise for not only all the staff who cared for Keith, but also for the environment that Midland Met provided for her and her family.
They often spent time together in the Winter Garden or the Spiritual Care Centre, and she said that having this space made what was an incredibly tough time that little bit easier.
Sir David Nicholson, chair of Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust said: “This past year has been more than just the opening of a hospital; it’s been the beginning of a new way of caring for our communities.
“From improved patient outcomes to stronger community ties, the last 12 months have shown us what’s possible when we work differently, together.
“We look forward to sharing more about what’s next and continuing to shape a future that puts our patients, people and our population at the heart of everything we do.”
Diane Wake, Chief Executive of the Trust added: “The past year has been one of real progress. We’re seeing the benefits of our new clinical model, our commitment to prevention, and our focus on community-based care.
“I would like to thank our staff, partners, and our community, for their dedication and support.”