Breast Care Unit Steel Signing Topping Out Ceremony

University Hospitals of North Midlands (UHNM) and construction firm IHP have come together to mark the construction of a new breast care unit at County Hospital, Stafford.

The new breast care unit at County Hospital is set to replace existing facilities and enhance the care and experience of breast cancer patients at UHNM. 

To celebrate the building progress, Lorraine Whitehead, UHNM Director of Estates, Facilities and PFI along with colleagues from the breast care team signed the steel on the roof of the building in a topping out ceremony.

Lorraine said: “Today has been great to see and hear about all the detail and thought that has gone into creating this new facility for our patients. This new development responds to clinical needs, while creating a positive and inviting environment for both staff and patients. It’s great that we can do ceremonies during the building process to mark the occasion for our clinical teams and the exciting developments ahead.” 

Michelle Ellitts, Superintendent Radiographer at UHNM, added: “The new breast unit will take patient care to the next level as this dedicated space will improve patient flow, comfort, and the overall general wellbeing of our patients. Being able to visit the unit while under construction is really exciting and to be able to sign out names on the steel is such a historic moment for breast care at UHNM. There are very little new breast units that go up across the country so to be able to mark this occasion is fantastic.”

The new unit will be home to the latest x-ray equipment, bringing the most up to date technology to UHNM and is due to open in April 2026.