The new Aseptic Pharmacy and Sterile Service Department serving University Hospital Southampton has reached a major milestone in its construction with a ‘topping out’ celebration to mark the building reaching its highest point, bringing the project one step closer to opening in Spring 2025.

Situated on plot 2 of the Adanac Health and Innovation Campus in Southampton, the new multi-use facility, which has been funded by investment from MacQuarie Group, will comprise an Aseptic Pharmacy, Sterile Services Department (SSD), and flexible expansion space.

The Aseptic Pharmacy will act as an MHRA-licensed pharmacy, with drugs and medicines manufactured for UHS and other NHS providers in the region. Meanwhile, the SSD will sterilise surgical tools and equipment for use by UHS; these services will be delivered at the new location by current provider IHSS.

UHS is one of the largest acute teaching trusts in England and experiences a very high demand on its geographically constrained site. By working with developer Prime plc, through the Southampton Commercial Estates Development Partnership (CEDP), the trust has been able to unlock many complex estate challenges.

These new facilities will be the latest in a series of developments designed to create more space for the trust to expand. Previous development on the hospital site has produced a new entrance, retail space and staff car park. The partners then worked together to create Adanac Health and Innovation Campus, providing additional expansion space with good proximity to the hospital and easy access to the motorway network.

Ewan Forsyth, Development Director at Prime:

"Prime is proud to play a pivotal role in the ongoing transformation of University Hospital Southampton. The development of the new Sterile Services Department and aseptic pharmacy not only showcases our commitment to innovative, high-quality healthcare infrastructure but also aligns with the Trust’s sustainability goals. By integrating advanced sterilisation and pharmaceutical preparation facilities under one roof, we have created a state-of-the-art environment that will enhance the hospital's capabilities and improve patient care. This project stands as a testament to what can be achieved through strategic partnerships and innovative thinking, supporting UHS in its mission to provide exceptional healthcare services now and in the future."

James Allen, chief pharmacist at University Hospital Southampton:

"We are thrilled to have reached this significant milestone in building our new aseptic facility at Adanac Park Health Campus. Aseptic products are vital in treating different patient groups, especially in the preparation of chemotherapy for cancer treatment and in supporting patients after major surgery. They also play a crucial role in many clinical trials, helping our treatments keep up with healthcare advances and ensuring our patients have the best available therapies.

"Once operational, this facility will greatly increase our capacity to produce aseptic products and manufacture cutting-edge medicines. Additionally, it will improve aseptic capacity for a large part of the South of England, supporting neighbouring hospitals and health systems to access aseptic products. Our partnerships with Prime and Willmott Dixon have been pivotal in making this development possible, allowing us to build a facility that will significantly benefit patients for years to come."

Richard Poulter, Willmott Dixon’s managing director in the South:

“We are thrilled to celebrate this significant milestone in the construction of the new Aseptic Pharmacy and Sterile Service Department at the Adanac Health and Innovation Campus. This state-of-the-art facility is a testament to our commitment to advancing healthcare infrastructure and supporting the vital work of University Hospital Southampton. By providing advanced pharmaceutical and sterilisation services, we are not only enhancing patient care but also ensuring that UHS and other NHS providers in the region have the resources they need to meet growing demands. This project underscores the power of strategic partnerships and innovative solutions in overcoming complex estate challenges, and we look forward to the positive impact it will have on the community once open."

This is the latest scheme between Willmott Dixon and Prime. Recently the two organisations worked together to deliver a 500+ space multi-storey car park at Dorset County Hospital, creating important parking provision for the Trust’s staff, patients and visitors.

The company is also one of the UK’s largest constructors of healthcare space. Notable projects include Bolton College of Medical Sciences, a ‘first of its kind” facility that's a blueprint for training NHS staff across the country, plus the Pears Building - Institute of Immunity and Transplantation, a world-leading research centre at the Royal Free Hospital which advances the understanding of conditions including cancer and diabetes.