New Royal Papworth Opens: The first... - British Heart Fou...

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New Royal Papworth Opens

MichaelJH profile image
MichaelJHHeart Star
32 Replies

The first patients have been admitted to the new Royal Papworth located at Cambridge's Biomedical Campus. This is around fifteen miles from the old location at Papworth Everard. I have been a patient on the campus and it is both large and impressive. Most hospitals have a coffee shop and sometimes a canteen/restaurant. Here you have a Costa, M&S Simply Food, a burger outlet (tut-tut), a sort of corner shop and other food/assorted outlets. I think those of you heading there are in for a very positive experience.

The old hospital (101 years old) closes next week.

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MichaelJH profile image
MichaelJH
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32 Replies
Lezzers profile image
Lezzers

Thanks MichaeljH, we're off to Papworth next month & really looking forward to seeing the new building.

MichelleLed profile image
MichelleLed in reply to Lezzers

Its amazing! the design of the building is stunning!

Lezzers profile image
Lezzers in reply to MichelleLed

It is exciting & the journey will be easier for us but of course for some it will make their journey more difficult which will be more stressful.

bantam12 profile image
bantam12

We will be doing a mammoth road trip to Papworth in the not to distant future, Mmmm M&S food hall, BRI has one and it was must stop off on my way out after visiting hubby, he was in 9 weeks so their profits went up 🤣

MichaelJH profile image
MichaelJHHeart Star in reply to bantam12

Healthier choices (if careful) than burger joint!

Jils profile image
Jils

I am awaiting my appointment for there. Sounds an amazing place. I feel honoured and even happy, if that's the right word....as I get the impression I am going to the best 😊

Lezzers profile image
Lezzers

We got a nice letter giving parking options, public transport options, hospital bus options, park & ride etc. And as a patient you get a preferred rate for the parking, if you get a space!! All that and a burger, what more you could you want...Cambridge is the best. I'm hoping we'll take the public transport option for the opportunity to shop!

MichaelJH profile image
MichaelJHHeart Star

I went by car for my pre-op. Parking wasn't an issue just had to go way up the very tall multistorey. For surgery took the train and then the bus (about every ten minutes) that goes straight into the campus.

P.S. Best hospital food I have had except when private!

Lezzers profile image
Lezzers

He wouldn't dare....would he???

MichelleLed profile image
MichelleLed

Parking is right outside!

MichaelJH profile image
MichaelJHHeart Star in reply to MichelleLed

I was in Addenbrookes hospital not the new Papworth which was still under construction.

daisy2311 profile image
daisy2311

Being local and having worked at Addenbrookes next door, I have mixed feelings about this. Obviously the standards of care are absolutely the most important thing, but I will be sad to see so much history lost when the old hospital will be flattened for housing no doubt. Plus those fifteen miles are a journey from hell during peak times not to mention the parking. I used to pay £50 a month if I could find a space..I paid to work! Many people won't or simply cant travel by public transport. I wish they built it elsewhere to be honest.

Katydl profile image
Katydl

I have been on the Addenbrookes site and the same food places to eat are also there.

It amazes me how hospitals never really promote healthy foods. It seems trendy and easier to promote brands.

My fear of going to the new site, is cost of parking . it’s going to be really expensive for a few hours as with Addenbrookes as oppose to the old site, not to mention the traffic headache.

It’s great that the building is new and shiny, but at what cost to the patients and staff?

Lezzers profile image
Lezzers in reply to Katydl

I don't think the parking is gonna be cheap but you will get a preferential rate if you're a patient there. Definantely, enquire about that if you do park there.

Katydl profile image
Katydl in reply to Lezzers

Even if it is an outpatient appointment?

Lezzers profile image
Lezzers in reply to Katydl

I believe so, presumably if you're an in-patient you wouldn't need parking??? but I'll check our paperwork tonight & report back

Katydl profile image
Katydl in reply to Lezzers

Okay That would be helpful, but I am not optimistic .

Thanks again

MichaelJH profile image
MichaelJHHeart Star in reply to Katydl

When I went for my pre-op at Addenbrookes I had to get the parking ticket authorised by the sister in the unit for a preferential rate on exiting the car park.

Katydl profile image
Katydl in reply to MichaelJH

Thank you for that MichealJh. I will remember to ask when I visit cardiology outpatients. I will let you know how I get on.

It’s not until 22nd May though.

Lezzers profile image
Lezzers in reply to Katydl

patients will be entitled to discounted parking (currently £3.60 per day) but you will need to show your appt letter or card at the customer service desk within the car park for the discount to be applied. Other rates apply for visitors. It's multi storey car park 2. There are 4 blue badge spaces outside the hospital & additional disabled spaces on levels 1-4. There are a few spaces outside the hospital for for picking up/dropping off patients but maximum 30 min stay. Hope this helps

Katydl profile image
Katydl in reply to Lezzers

I stand corrected. I have been a few times to Addenbrookes as a patient and I never knew this . Thank you .

Lezzers profile image
Lezzers in reply to Katydl

Did you not get the info re parking, public transport etc plus a map of the hospital & area, with your appt letter?

Katydl profile image
Katydl in reply to Lezzers

Not that I can remember. My current letter does not say that either.

Lezzers profile image
Lezzers in reply to Katydl

We had a leaflet & map that came with the appt letter. You could give them a ring & ask them to send them. I'd post a copy here if it wasn't beyond my technical skills!

MichaelJH profile image
MichaelJHHeart Star in reply to Katydl

If you click on the link there is a downloadable PDF about getting there and parking:

royalpapworth.nhs.uk/our-ho...

Lezzers profile image
Lezzers in reply to MichaelJH

Thank you, very helpful

Ads568 profile image
Ads568

I have just been discharged after having an urgent heart transplant at the old Royal Papworth Hospital. I received wonderful care from all during my 10 week stay, and I’m sure the heart of Papworth is the people & the ethos, which hopefully will transfer to the new building. The history will always be there, just the tired bricks & mortar replaced. The future looks bright!

Rishmain profile image
Rishmain

My youngest daughter is a critical care nurse at Papworth they are all very excited to be working at the new hospital she starts there next week

MichaelJH profile image
MichaelJHHeart Star in reply to Rishmain

I know three people who have had excellent treatment and care at RNOH (Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital) Stanmore. It is currently being redeveloped and 99% are looking forward to it. One area they will not miss are the "slope wards" that were put up quickly in WW2. Taking someone from a ward to X-ray were a good cardio workout before I developed angina! Progress means new buildings.

Chappychap profile image
Chappychap in reply to Rishmain

You must be very proud of your daughter, what a wonderful career.

Rishmain profile image
Rishmain in reply to Chappychap

Yes we are it was completely her choice made before my own diagnosis

The old Papworth was wonderful (as a patient), it had a real old 'cottage hospital' feel. I am deeply indebted to the stellar staff there for enabling me to continue life and even live long enough to become a forum pest here...

New Papworth looks incredible, and I'm working as hard as I can to ensure I never see the inside of it. 👍

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