Royal Sussex Hospital Acute Medical Unit
Framework: SCAPE National Construction Framework
Client: University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust
Location: Brighton
Value: £10.9m
Completion: 2025
“These improvements will make a real difference for patients needing urgent and acute care. The reconfiguration and modernisation of the Acute Medical Unit means our teams can work in an environment that fully supports the high standards of care we aim to deliver. We’re pleased to have successfully completed this with Willmott Dixon Interiors, whose expertise and collaborative approach have really helped deliver high-quality healthcare facilities.”
Roy Evans
Director of Capital Development and Property at UHSussex
Expansion and refurbishment of the Acute Medical Unit (AMU) at the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton.
For University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, Willmott Dixon Interiors delivered an expansion and refurbishment as part of the wider reconfiguration of the Emergency Department and Acute Floor. Awarded via the SCAPE National Construction Framework, the project aimed to increase capacity and efficiency to meet growing demand for urgent and acute care.
Works were completed while the hospital remained operational, requiring close collaboration with clinical teams to minimise disruption and maintain patient safety at all times.
The refurbishment delivered new medical assessment and emergency care spaces at the AMU, improving circulation throughout the space and enhancing patient flow. The redesigned layout provides upgraded clinical environments that better support patients and NHS teams, creating a modernised setting that fully supports the high standards of care delivered on the acute floor. The works encompassed a full replacement of mechanical, electrical and public health systems, including a new air handling plant, strengthening the hospital’s long-term infrastructure.
Social value initiatives
Alongside the improved clinical environments for patients and NHS teams, the project generated more than £10 million in social value, with activity focused on wellbeing, skills, employment and community support.
The project invested in future skills through a sustainability workshop for 25 Key Stage 3 students, covering biodiversity, waste management and recycling. In partnership with Safe Haven Charity, the team also supported vulnerable adults facing barriers to employment through interviews, work experience, CV development, networking and fully funded CSCS cards.
One participant received tailored CITB revision to support memory challenges and build confidence. He subsequently completed the test ahead of schedule and passed on his first attempt, demonstrating the impact targeted support can have in helping people overcome barriers and progress towards employment.
Willmott Dixon Interiors partnered with The Zen Bus to deliver 36 mental health and mindfulness workshops across four hospital sites: Royal Sussex County Hospital, Princess Royal Hospital, St Richard’s Hospital and Worthing General Hospital. A total of 251 NHS staff were provided the opportunity to step away from high-pressure environments and practice techniques to manage stress and anxiety.
For Willmott Dixon team members on site, a Mental Health First Aider was appointed to undergo specialist training. This individual is now qualified to deliver mental health toolbox talks and lunch-and-learn sessions, guided by key topics from the Lighthouse Charity’s awareness calendar.
Following the success of Willmott Dixon’s Gratitude Hampers initiative in July 2024, they were proud to partner once again with Ethstat Ethical to deliver festive hampers to NHS staff over the Christmas season. The project team’s aim was to show appreciation and support for their tireless efforts.
Hampers were delivered to the Children’s Critical Care Unit, Acute Medical Unit, Trevor Mann Baby Unit and the A&E Department. The hampers themselves supported 17 social enterprises and were assembled by a refugee team member, providing two hours of paid work at the Real Living Wage.
Willmott Dixon is also proud to have facilitated the donation of essential medical equipment to a hospital in Gambia as part of the AMU project. Working with a surgeon with established connections to healthcare facilities in Africa, surplus medical equipment that had been identified for removal was donated to hospitals in need. This included theatre lights, monitors, drip stands and medical cabinetry, all of which were carefully dismantled, packaged on pallets and prepared for shipment to a hospital in Gambia.
2026 also marked the fourth consecutive year that Willmott Dixon Interiors participated in the Brighton 10k run to raise money for My University Hospitals Sussex. In total, £3,655 was raised for this year's event by 11 runners.
“Our continued collaboration with UHSussex has enabled us to improve Acute Floor capacity to better support critical patients and meet growing demand. By investing in upgrades to the hospital environment, UHSussex has enhanced the experience for both patients and staff. We remain committed to working closely with the Trust to support long-term healthcare improvements across its estate.”
Will Walkinton
Healthcare Sector Lead, Willmott Dixon Interiors
Social value outcomes
This project has been submitted by Willmott Dixon as part of the collaborative Social Value in Construction Benchmarking Report. This report captures the latest insights into the regional and national trends in social value delivery; learn more here.
84
staff hours volunteered
£100k+
social enterprise spend
251
NHS staff supported through wellbeing initiatives
£35,750+
donated through equipment, awards and fundraising
25
students engaged in sustainability education
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Vanessa Good
Business Development Manager | South East
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