Bermuda Hospitals Board (BHB) will start construction on a new parking lot this spring.

The work is being done prior to starting phase one of the redevelopment of King Edward VII Memorial Hospital (KEMH). According to a BHB spokesperson. an electrical substation will also be created.

"We are currently planning the development of an area on the existing [KEMH] site owned by BHB, at the junction of Berry Hill Road and Point Finger Road," a spokesperson said.

"This is enabling work being undertaken by BHB before the construction of the new facility begins. The plans for this area include building a new electrical substation. At the same time, BHB is seeking to implement a parking solution for patients, visitors and staff."

A five-year plan for the acute care redevelopment of the KEMH was revealed by the BHB and partners in November 2008.

It will be completed using a private-public partnership and cost $315 million. Upgrades to BHB facilities will then continue for 20 years. The spokesperson explained that parking needs to be tackled as the new development will encroach on spaces beside the old hospital the Continuing Care Unit and Gladwyn House.

The current electrical substation services the hospital, residence and businesses in the area but is also identified as an area of construction on the new facility. The new substation will have capacity for both the existing KEMH and the new facility when it is completed, and also service neighbourhood demand.

This preparatory work will enable the beginning of the phased-in five-year plan for KEMH which includes:

— a three-storey, 75,000 square-foot ambulatory care centre which will include treatment for oncology, dialysis, asthma, and diabetes.

To be located near the corner of Berry Hill and Point Finger roads, it will also serve as a base for visiting international specialists;

— a six-storey patient tower with 90 private beds, emergency services and some diagnostic equipment. It will be located in the old Ministry of Health Building, currently cited for abandonment and demolition;

— a two-storey central utility plant with laundry facilities;

— a two-storey central utility plant with laundry facilities and cooling towers. The plant is to be built on the current staff car park on Berry Hill Road;

— renovations to the current KEMH will see some services moved into the new facilities,

A BHB spokesperson added: "We hope to begin work in spring. As we are expecting to break ground for the new facility at the turn of the year, our goal is to complete the first phase of the parking plan by the end of 2010 so that patients, visitors and staff do not face a sudden and significant reduction in parking."