Creation of a New Health and Social Academy – University Hospital of Hartlepool

Overview​

We were awarded this competitive contract for the conversion of an empty ward into a modern clinical training facility for healthcare students. Other areas of the hospital were still in operation, so we had to ensure to minimise disruptions from noise & vibrations.

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Scope of works​

As part of our bid, we devised and proposed a unique access route to the ward, which was centrally located in the hospital and midfloor, with live wards above and below. Our solution was to install an over-roof gantry to gain direct external access to the working area. The gantry was constructed from tube and fitting scaffold and we temporarily removed a window and wall to provide adequate access into and out of the work area, plus a staircase and hoist back to ground level. The hospital loved this proposal which allowed easier movement of materials and waste without disrupting the main hospital and was key to our tender being accepted.

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After securing the work areas and installing the access gantry, we commenced the demolition works to walls to create a more open plan design. We installed temporary and new supports where necessary to maintain the structural stability of the building.

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We installed and upgraded the electrical and mechanical systems, including the ventilation and air conditioning. We installed new DALI controllable LED lighting and new power circuits throughout. We also carried out medical gas and plumbing works, this included relocating the medical gas lines to suit the new layout and drainage through the below occupied ward, which needed planning and co-ordinating with the hospital to avoid disruption and inconvenience.

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We carried out fire safety improvements such as upgrading the fire alarm system which also had to remain live during the works, fire compartmentation improvements (upgrading walls) and fire stopping throughout the ward of new and existing services.

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Outdated elements were stripped out throughout the ward and replaced with new modern fittings, including new internal fire doors, flooring, ceilings, walls, decoration, windows and screens. As part of the works, we created and installed simulation rooms, which allow the hospital to recreate realistic medical scenario.

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End result​

We completed the refurbishment with virtually no disruptions to the remaining live hospital. The client and architect were very happy with the management of the project and the quality of the completed works, which resulted in complimentary and positive feedback.