LANDSCAPING & EXTERNAL WORKS
A collaboration that covered all bases
Stephen Toone of Fordingbridge shares insights into how to build client relationships through collaboration, giving the example of several projects at East Surrey Hospital
I
t is vital for designers and suppliers to remember that when collaborating with the NHS, there are certain key aspects to consider which create a successful working relationship.
canopy to improve vehicle flow and protect patients arriving by ambulance, or being dropped off by car, from the elements.
An example of successful collaboration between ourselves – as a canopy and building contractor – and East Surrey Hospital started following the NHS trust’s decision to redesign and build the hospital’s east entrance following fire damage. We were commissioned to install a 270 m2
department. A canopy was designed and installed to accommodate a generous unloading space for nine ambulances. The devil was in the detail again – constraints including clearance requirements, roof overhangs and the need to fit into a forthcoming extension to the emergency department.
The specified solution was a 3.9 m cantilevered canopy with a 3.7 m height, giving the ideal clearance for ambulances as well as shelter from the elements for patients. The 30 m long structure follows the building line and is stepped in plan to accommodate an existing roof overhang. To provide continuous rain protection, the polycarbonate roof tucks neatly under the new A&E building extension constructed at the same time as the canopy. The success of the project led to the firm being invited to tender for more work on the site. We provided a 45 m covered walkway to provide a weather-protected journey between wards for staff and patients. This involved collaborating with the design team to find the best solution. There were a number of design requirements; it had to be wide enough to allow two patient beds to be able to pass easily, and the height and roof shape needed to allow lighting and heating systems to be incorporated. A gap at the base of the canopy provides ventilation and two sets of double doors allow access to wards around the courtyard. The courtyard location necessitated easy-to-construct structure sizes. Another area, which was required to be improved was the entrance to the A&E
The 27 m x 10.7 m steel canopy covered the entirety of the entrance. The height of the canopy allows ambulances to arrive and unload patients completely protected by the 4.3 m front cantilever. Without a canopy, transferring patients on an uncovered pavement leaves users at risk of getting wet and cold. Timber cladding was used on the soffit to bring a modern aesthetic and warmth to the structure.
Fordingbridge collaborated closely on the canopy design with the trust’s lighting designer and groundworker, resulting in a cohesive result. The canopy was installed in three weeks, which involved careful planning to avoid disruption to a live site in use 24/7 including coordination with other contractors.
Factors for success
Fordingbridge recognised that the client’s primary objective at East Surrey Hospital was to improve patient care by providing more space and protecting patients, staff and visitors from adverse weather, while enabling new patient strategies to be delivered.
The first step in successful collaboration is to understand and work with client objectives. All areas of the hospital needed to remain operational throughout construction, meaning that safety was paramount to the build process. The construction team project managed elements to fall outside of the busiest periods. This makes the client’s lives easier in terms of minimum disruption to their service.
The canopy gives the ideal clearance for ambulances as well as shelter from the elements for patients
79
ADF JULY 2018
WWW.ARCHITECTSDATAFILE.CO.UK
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84
