HEALTHCARE & HOSPITALITY
in compliance with current Building Regulations and with a design life of at least 60 years.
THE PROJECT CHALLENGES • This was a highly challenging
project in terms of scale, logistics, difficult access for vehicles, and the extremely close proximity of existing wards which had to remain fully operational throughout.
• To minimise disruption, Portakabin maximised work off-site wherever possible. The modular solution allowed the building structure to be installed complete with wall finishes, internal partitioning, mechanical and electrical services, and flooring already in place to further reduce the programme time.
• During the cranage phase, Portakabin managed and maintained access for 200 students to the adjacent Keele University Medical School and co-ordinated operations with West Midlands Air Ambulance for inbound emergency patients.
• The building installation involved detailed logistical planning and a 350-tonne crane on a highly restricted site close to a busy road.
HELPING TO ENHANCE
PATIENTS’ EXPERIENCE Commenting on the project, John Simpson, Director of Corporate Services at University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust said: “We had an extremely tight timescale to deliver a complex healthcare building for the relocation of clinical services, but I am delighted to report that this was achieved.”
“Modular construction allowed us to benefit from a much shorter delivery programme so we could have the new facility up and running much more quickly. This enabled us to meet the increasing demand for services and enhance patients’ experience.”
“Whilst the building is constructed to permanent standards, its modular construction gives us greater flexibility as the facilities can be dismantled and removed if service needs change.”
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“The facilities have been very well received by patients and staff. There is excellent light, space, décor and infection control. Portakabin successfully installed the building next to the main hospital with minimal impact on service provision. This required detailed logistical planning and the whole installation operation was carried out with military precision by a superb site team. The final design is extremely good and Portakabin was flexible and accommodating throughout.”
A CLINICAL PERSPECTIVE Looking at the clinical aspects,
Jeanette Carter, Royal Stoke Ward Manager said: “The overall design and layout of the building are fantastic and the interior is very welcoming. We have a lot more space, particularly around beds, to facilitate patient contact and to accommodate any equipment we need. Everything fits into the ward space really well and there is better storage.”
“THIS LARGE, TWO- STOREY MODULAR BUILDING HAS
PROVIDED 56 NEW IN-PATIENT BEDS.”
“The wards are airy and the design features – such as integral blinds for the windows – make infection control much easier. We also have more side rooms available, which help to reduce waiting times. There has been a lot of positive feedback from staff and patients since we moved into the new building.”
RAPIDLY INCREASE
CAPACITY The hiring of modular accommodation for short-term use is a fast, flexible and cost-effective way for healthcare providers to expand or relocate services, particularly on constrained hospital sites and can be funded from revenue rather than capital budget streams. The approach also gives NHS trusts greater flexibility as
the facilities can be dismantled and removed as local needs change.
Complete, fully-fitted buildings can be delivered in a fraction of the time of a site-based construction solution and without compromising standards. Critically, buildings can be installed with far less disruption to patient care and the solution is much safer and quieter as fitting out can be carried out off-site.
Modular solutions can be used to provide interim ward accommodation, recovery suites, dialysis units, diagnostic facilities, out-patient departments and treatment centres – and should be constructed to the latest healthcare best practice design standards.
HOW TO INTEGRATE BUILDINGS FOR
SHORT-TERM USE Modular buildings can now be supplied with an even wider range of architectural options and essential amenities. Each option should comply fully with British Standards, such as wind and snow loadings, and can give interim buildings a permanent feel and help to integrate the facility on to the site.
Options can include canopies and shelters, covered walkways, vinyl wraps with striking graphics, cycle storage, smoking shelters and street furniture.
As with permanent buildings, in the design of facilities for short-term use, the addition of exteriors options should demonstrate practical as well as aesthetic benefits and be suited to users’ needs.
Large span structures can create welcoming entrances, and canopies and outdoor furniture can encourage access to the outdoors and provide shelter from the elements. Research has shown that time spent outdoors can improve the mental and physical wellbeing of patients, reduce stress and improve rehabilitation. It can also help reduce overcrowding in busy indoor eating and meeting places for staff.
www.portakabin.co.uk/cpd TOMORROW’S FM | 25
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