CONSTRUCTION AND REFURBISHMENT
a full building extension. For example, converting areas of the hospital previously used as offices is becoming an increasingly popular method for expanding ward space – and this can also be helpful in creating additional theatre space. Many office-based hospital staff began
working from home in March 2020 as a direct result of the pandemic, and this way of working remains commonplace. This change in working pattern has left these previously – and often large – spaces significantly underused, and this can offer an ideal long-term solution for creating extra theatre space.
The value of a trusted supply chain For any work to upgrade or expand theatre space, either permanently or as a temporary measure, a trusted supply chain is key. Engagement with an experienced, specialist contractor like Novus from the design phase is the best way to maximise the value of a project. This early engagement not only allows Trusts to draw on this expertise in the planning of a project, but can also reduce delivery timeframes, as the contractor is able to develop the works on site during the design process. When involved during these initial stages, the contractor can also begin its preparations – such as site strips, the collection of service information, and the development of surrounding spaces for user experience – sooner, which ensures a smoother delivery throughout the project.
Dedicated specialist teams Contractors with significant experience in the sector often have dedicated specialist teams with a wealth of knowledge on the delivery of this type of works, including dedicated compliance teams for full reassurance. This working model promotes mutual openness, honesty, and transparency, and encourages communication throughout the delivery of the programme. Specialist contractors will also work closely with an established supply chain to support the delivery of any healthcare-based project, including upgrades to, or the expansion of, theatre spaces. This includes partners from specialist trades, such as mechanical and electrical, for total confidence in the quality of work. The guarantee of a strong supply chain also offers certainty of delivery and value for money – making it ideal for Trusts operating under strict budgets.
Over a 12-week period at Macclesfield District General Hospital, Novus Property Solutions delivered a multiple-phase theatre refurbishment to increase the range and complexity of surgeries the hospital can offer by upgrading three of its theatres. This included making them suitable for orthopaedic surgery by installing the latest ultraclean ventilation canopies.
66 Health Estate Journal March 2024
Healthcare projects’ ‘unique challenges’ It’s also important to consider that, because the vast majority of hospitals operate on a 24/7 schedule, any build and refurbishment work comes with a series of unique challenges. The ‘live’ nature of hospitals means that the expertise of specialist contractors and supply chain
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 |
Page 85
