Case studies

What Did The Job Involve?

Ipswich Hospital required the consolidation of breast care facilities into one location. Located in the heart of the hospital, this project involved the conversion of two administration wings and the construction of a new build infill to create one large space dedicated to assessment and treatment.

The facilities include 3 nr xray suites with mammography. Treatment and assessment areas were provided with administration, reception and staff facilities. The work involved stripping out the existing areas, demolition and structural alteration works. A new slab was cast and lightweight framing was installed to create the link.

The existing roof areas were cut away and a new roof was constructed over the link. New partitions were formed in masonry and metal stud work. New services were installed throughout and areas were finished to the appropriate standard for each area. Hygenic cladding and vinyl graphics were installed along with new furniture and equipment. Imaging rooms were screened before the specialist equipment was installed. Drainage alterations were made to suit the new layout including the installation of a new pumping chamber.

What Were The Challenges?

One of the major challenges was the limited accessibility. Our only means to move materials was through a narrow gap next to a standby generator which served adjacent wards including the maternity unit. Small plant and all materials were largely required to be manoeuvred by hand to the working location.

One of the wings could not be decanted by the client at the start of the project and so possession of this area followed 5 weeks later. Works were resequenced accordingly.

The challenge of working in a live hospital had to be overcome. Working areas, timing and access were restricted and work had to be reprogrammed throughout the project.

Working with an existing structure, fabric and services presented problems that had to be resolved without affecting the hospital’s operations.

Beardwell’s Added Value

Beardwell provided pink PPE appropriate to the nature of the building.

Groundbreaking and topping-out ceremonies were held with the client. Patients who had benefited from treatment in the past were invited to attend..

The project was partly funded by public donations. Fundraising events were held including abseiling down the adjacent high-rise maternity ward building. We made a friend with a local 16-year-old patient and his mum and support visits were organised. Our team played a small part in his recovery.

What Did The Job Involve?

This project at Ipswich Hospital involved the refurbishment of two wards to create a new surgical assessment unit. This quickly translated into an emergency ward for patients suffering with covid and severe flu. The deadline of being open before Christmas was paramount.

The work included the strip out and refurbishment of the first floor area including provision of new walls, new services, bedhead equipment and facilities, new nurse stations and associated WC’s and showers. Access to the first floor was gained through an enlarged first floor window thereby avoiding moving personnel and materials through the live hospital.

In addition, the trust decided to add into the project new AHU’s for the whole wing. These were to be located within a central courtyard. This was a pilot project for the trust and involved the erection of a new steel frame on concrete pad foundations. The testing and commissioning phase presented a challenge especially as all services were connected to the existing systems.

What Were The Challenges?

The major challenge was of access. Our only means to the wards was through a first-floor window. Scaffolding was erected and this entrance used thereby avoiding disruption or contact with the general work of the hospital. Access to the courtyard was via and internal door with all materials being lifted over using a 300T mobile crane. Other challenges included the connection of above-ground drainage through to the ward below. The programme was intense not least because of the additional work that was required in the form of the new AHU and replacement of windows to the ward. Working through a window meant that this area needed to be completed last. Another challenge was the replacement of the windows which due to the timing of the instruction had to be incorporated late in the programme. These were fitted from the outside and the reveals made good after.

The work being located on the first floor involved working near and adjacent to existing wards. This meant that noisy working had to be measured and controlled and full dust suppression engaged at all times.

The AHU and steel frame required the use of a 300T mobile crane. The location of this and the bearing capacity of the ground had to be very carefully assessed. Wind speeds were monitored and downtime was encountered. The time was made up without detriment to the completion of this element.

Beardwell’s Added Value

We worked closely with the client’s project management/FM staff and consultant team of Castons, KLH,Sweco and JSH to ensure that the work could be managed safely, the additional work incorporated and the deadline achieved.

What Did The Job Involve?

The project involved the fit-out of shell and core ground floor space of a multi-storey residential development, into a Medical Centre in the heart of Haringey. The fit-out scope included: Internal partitions, doors, suspended and MF Ceilings, structural steelwork, floor finishes, reception area and desk, mechanical and electrical installations, NHS Data Systems, Infection control, Minor Surgery Treatment Rooms, Fixtures and Fittings, Fixed Furniture, Medical FF&E

What Were The Challenges?

The project was a full footprint development. The site was constrained by a footpath to 2 sides, a residential development to the rear and LuL exclusion zone to the other side of the building. This meant that there was no space for any site accommodation and welfare. Being a city centre site, the access to the building was particularly challenging. The only access to and from the site was via the patient entrance doors and a secondary doctor’s entrance. There was a no loading zone to the footpath and the road had a bus lane between 7am and 10:30am. This meant that all deliveries had to be carefully scheduled and the foot path had to remain open at all times. The delivery loads had to be sized in a way that they could be unloaded and distributed into the building. An additional challenge that was encountered on this project was the incorporation of the base builders needed to insulate the first-floor slab soffit. The programme and sequence of works had to change to allow for this works to be undertaken at the same time as the floor to ceiling partitions and the high-level Mechanical and Electrical 1st fix was being installed. The management of the programme and on-site coordination had to be adaptable to allow for the third party works to be carried out in conjunction with the project contractors. All parties had equal access and the amount of disruption to the fit out works kept to a minimum, whilst not effecting the completion of the residential units above.

Beardwell’s Added Value

Throughout the project we supported the local community. A community display board was erected within the on-site welfare. This board highlighted local businesses, charities and health & wellbeing services. we feel that it is important to encourage the local business, as this benefits the local economy, as well as helping to protect the local environment.

What Did The Job Involve?

This project involved the refurbishment of Laindon Ward, the construction of a new link and a New Build Two Storey ‘Frailty’ Ward in the centre of Basildon Hospital.

The new buildings were comprised piled foundations, structural steel frame, trespa and timber cladding and a coloured render.

The new Fraility Ward will be used to treat elderly adult patients. On the ground floor there are 10 bed spaces, along with office accommodation, reception and a therapy area.

What Were The Challenges?

Following commencement of the project the design of the new build element of the project was entirely revised. Numerous changes were incorporated including revisions to foundations, the steel frame and consequently mechanical and electrical designs.

Due to the location of the building within the hospital grounds access was extremely difficult with only a narrow entrance to the working area.

The majority of the work was undertaken adjacent to live wards meaning careful planning and programming were required.

Beardwell’s Added Value

We worked with the project team to initiate changes that would aid the project programme and cost.

Local labour and sub-contractors were used throughout the project.

Two apprentices were used on the project.