CONSTRUCTION
Morgan Sindall says its solution is ‘way faster, better, and almost unnoticeable’, compared with ‘some of the obvious propping systems’ being used in other hospitals for RAAC remediation work.
By grounding ourselves in the three key pillars we’d established, we developed a new solution utilising timber. While steel was the obvious first choice, timber quickly emerged as the best option, and challenging the status quo helped bring this to the forefront. In practice, the timber process involves drilling holes through existing downstand beams – scanning each plank to locate steel reinforcement, setting out in accordance with the structural engineer’s design criteria, and utilising a vacuum plate drill. New timber beams, which have been
cut to length, are then lifted into position either side of the existing downstand beam and drilled to align perfectly with those drilled previously. A 16 mm stainless steel Hilti threaded rod is inserted, with washers and nuts attached. Following this, domed-head nuts are fitted, and the timber decorated where visible. In areas where existing services and
obstructions prevent though bolts, Hilti studs are used to an amended structural engineer’s specification, and where enhanced structural solutions are required, timber ladders are also placed in between the timber beams to add further reinforcement. To complete the project, the beams are painted white to seamlessly match in with the roofing.
Unistrut framing Further development utilises Unistrut framing suspended from the timber beams to support services and ceilings, thereby removing these existing loadings from the roof. With the comfort and security of hospital staff and patients front of mind at James Paget, we further developed the Unistrut frame to conceal sections within walls where occupant restrictions were required. Using this method means that, typically, 90% of works can be completed in two days – with the finished element requiring no unsightly or intrusive propping, and an estimated 70% faster than a steel alternative. Respecting patients and the live hospital setting is of tantamount
The timber beams are cut to length, mounted next to the downstand beams, and then fixed with the 16 mm stainless steel Hilti threaded rod, before this is all painted white to blend into the existing ceilings and provide a neat finish.
importance in projects of this type. Hospital refurbishment programmes need to be specifically tailored to avoid disrupting day-to-day operations. This means being able and willing to adapt project sequencing in accordance with evolving hospital needs. Experience is vital here, and our team is trained up for the sensitivity of acute care delivery. Having already nurtured a long working relationship with James Paget University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, we understood the need to protect patient privacy and dignity, and to tailor our approach so that the hospital could support positive patient outcomes. The timber solution meant that the
team could deploy the structural support mechanism at pace, yet be flexible around the changing landscape of the live hospital environment. There were numerous occasions where the challenges of COVID-19, patient surges, or emergency operations, required the construction team to re-programme the sequence of works, and – thanks to the speed and flexibility of the solution – it was possible to work this around the hospital. Regular communication was invaluable, and the hospital heads of department had direct lines into the project team, to enable the flexibility to work around every patient need. The hospital strategically created a float of beds, which enabled the team to move these ‘spare beds’ around the hospital to make way for the RAAC works; without this it simply wouldn’t have happened. The project team also worked closely with the Trust’s Estates Department, and was ‘prepped’ to be ready to work in any area at short notice. This collaborative way of working was key to the project’s success.
The way forward With the 2035 RAAC eradication directive now in place, and a pressing need for a flexible, but cost-effective solution to be implemented by the NHS, we hope that the method we employed in collaboration with James Paget University
Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust will gain traction. Now tried and tested, the timber technique – when delivered in accordance with the blueprint that has been established – could be replicated at hospitals around the country, helping to solve the ongoing RAAC plank crisis, and relieving the NHS of at least one pressing burden. Most importantly, it is a solution shaped with the welfare of patients at its heart.
Alister Broadberry
Area director at Morgan Sindall Construction in the Eastern Counties since 2020, Alister Broadberry has over 30 years’ experience in construction. He has a wealth of experience on projects across a broad range of sectors – including health, defence, leisure, education, and residential. He started in the industry in 1990 as an apprentice. He continues to champion young talent in the construction industry, and now supports similar rotation schemes at Morgan Sindall Construction that he benefited from in his early career. He joined Morgan Sindall Construction in 2004 as a Senior surveyor, progressing to Commercial director in 2012, before taking up his current role in 2020.
January 2024 Health Estate Journal 71
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