A brand-new operating centre is being built in the middle of the UMCG, on the Healthy Ageing Campus. While renovations are underway inside, operations must of course continue as usual. A completely temporary operating centre is therefore being built on Oostersingel, next to the UMCG. It will house six modern operating theatres and recovery rooms for adults and children.

‘The UMCG performs the most complex operations in the northern Netherlands,’ says head nurse Rowdy Veen. Other hospitals cannot take over this care, which is why we are building this temporary centre.’

Six modern operating rooms
The temporary operating centre will soon be performing operations in various medical specialisms, such as paediatric surgery, urology, gynaecology, abdominal surgery and orthopaedics. The latter includes procedures such as hip or knee replacements. 'The other operations will be performed in the main building, with the operating theatres (OTs) moving one place at a time, like a kind of sliding puzzle,' explains Anita Sportel, construction process manager.

Coming to life
Nurses from the recovery rooms (PACU) are looking forward to working in the temporary operating centre, says Veen: 'The first units are now in place, so the building is really coming to life. That makes it tangible. Although we still have to be patient. The building will be ready in September 2026 and we will start operating there for the first time in early 2027.'

For and with healthcare
The temporary operating centre was not only built for healthcare, but also with healthcare in mind. From the outset, healthcare professionals were involved in deciding on the layout, walking routes and ease of use.

Head anaesthetist Niels Rietveld explains: ‘We have always been able to indicate what is important for working in the operating theatres. The builders listen carefully, and vice versa, we also learn to understand what is possible in terms of construction. This creates a real sense of collaboration.’

Giant Lego blocks
The Oostersingel Surgery Centre is being constructed from large, prefabricated steel units. These are assembled on site. ‘It’s like building with giant Lego blocks,’ says Sportel. 'It's quick and causes less noise pollution. That's good for our patients and staff, because the hospital will continue to operate as normal. It's also good for local residents.'

The temporary operating centre is completely circular. This means that in eight to ten years' time, when the new operating centre in the main building is ready, it can be dismantled and reused.

Text source: UMCG