Nightingale and Genesis Prevention Centre

Client: University Hospital of South Manchester NHS Trust

Location: Manchester

Value: £10 Million

Status: Completed 2007

The Nightingale and Genesis Prevention Centre is Europe's first purpose built breast cancer prevention centre.  The centre is headed by three internationally renowned professors, who are leading authorities in their fields.  Opened in July 2007, the building is situated on the University Hospital of South Manchester complex in Wythenshawe. It provides a base for one of the most ambitious breast cancer research programmes in Europe. The centre offers a state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment services to women and men with breast cancer and co-ordinates the NHS breast-screening programme for the Greater Manchester area. There are specially designed consultation, examination, counselling, mammography, radiology and ultrasound rooms. There are also laboratories dedicated to pathology, prosthesis, lymphodema and bone densitometry. As well as this, it provides training facilities aimed at addressing the shortage of breast cancer specialists.

The main entrance is designed as a 2 storey atrium space clad in natural limestone for warmth and incorporating a large area of stained glass artwork opening up the internal space and promoting a welcoming environment. The design has also incorporated glazed curtain walling to either side of the main entrance which accommodate the staircases, allowing a certain level of transparency. In the heart of the building lie two internal landscaped courtyards, which have been incorporated to give the whole building an open and airy feeling, whilst maintaining the required levels of privacy. The main entrance foyer and atrium spaces were designed to be the centre piece of the whole development, with a light, open and airy space which would create both a welcoming and relaxing environment for patients.