INFRASTRUCTURE AND RAAC MANAGEMENT
Besides the roof replacement, leaks from the existing timber gutter located at the rear of Ward 6 also required attention. The proposed solution was the installation of a reinforced, multi-layer liquid plastic system to enhance long-term watertightness and improve resilience at this critical junction.
b) Existing structural frame and foundations Lightweight concrete was fundamental to the structural strategy, substantially reducing the roof’s permanent dead load compared with a conventional concrete solution. This weight reduction was critical to retaining the existing structural frame and foundations while creating sufficient capacity for the extensive new rooftop plant, thereby avoiding more intrusive strengthening and reconstruction works within the operational hospital.
c) Existing drainage replacement The existing Ward 6 drainage system required major upgrades, including the replacement of several discharge stacks. Due to the increased number of stacks proposed, overnight surveys and close coordination with Trust office teams were necessary to facilitate core drilling and the installation of new drainage connections with minimal disruption.
Review of finished project with the key VIC clinical team.
to be delivered within a live hospital environment while minimising disruption to critical services. Effective collaboration, weekly coordination meetings, and a consistent on-site contractor presence were key to the successful delivery of the project.
Existing structure
a) Radiology roof and timber guttering Working adjacent to the Radiology Department roof presented one of the greatest challenges of the project. The roof is constructed from RAAC, which significantly limited access and imposed strict loading restrictions. Working closely with the design team, including Arcadis (Architects), Curtins (Structural Engineers), and specialist subcontractors, a solution was developed to minimise any impact on the existing roof structure: n Scaffold solution: Access to the rear elevation of Ward 6, facing the Radiology Department, was achieved without imposing loads on the RAAC roof. A bespoke ‘horse’ scaffold was installed from within the first floor of the VIC, creating a cantilevered structure externally. The scaffold relied on the structural strength of the building’s walls and floors, providing safe access for construction works while avoiding any load transfer to the roof.
n Safe Roof Access: Youngman boards were utilised to create designated safe access routes across areas of RAAC roofing. Following structural assessments by Curtins, suitable routes were identified for personnel movement and the placement of lightweight materials lifted by crane, ensuring safe operations while protecting the integrity of the roof structure.
Phasing of the RAAC roof removal and demolition Roof replacement was divided into four controlled phases beneath two moveable temporary roof tents. Their configuration was governed by the limited capacity of the retained Level 1 floor – approximately 5.0 kN/m² along the central spine and 2.5 kN/m² within two perimeter zones – and the adjoining Radiology RAAC roof. A front birdcage/crash-deck established a direct load path, while a cantilevered rear ‘horse’ scaffold avoided applying reactions directly to the Radiology panels. The tents maintained a weather-protected enclosure and were repositioned in coordination with suitable wind conditions, crane operations and the steelwork programme. With the incorporation of lightweight concrete, the completed roof forms a stiff, non-combustible diaphragm designed to Consequence Class 2B, steelwork Execution Class EXC2, 60-minute fire resistance, and a 50-year working life. Each demolition phase followed a repeatable sequence: existing cladding, roof finishes, and insulation. Redundant plant and parapets were removed. RAAC planks and existing steelwork were dismantled progressively, working gridline by gridline to preserve stability. Temporary bracing was installed before critical members were removed. New steelwork was integrated with the retained concrete ring beams, followed by replacement castellated beams, trimmers, parapet and plant-support steel. Met Floor 80 decking, welded shear studs, A252 reinforcement, lightweight concrete, and formed service upstands completed the composite slab before waterproofing and roof finishes were applied.
Ward 6 has been transformed from an open-plan ward with limited privacy, sanitary facilities, and specialist respiratory capability into a modern Ventilation Inpatient Centre.
72 Health Estate Journal October 2026
Ventilation focused service enhancement Ventilation played a crucial role in the project, as our objective was to deliver a high-quality, safe respiratory ward. As previously mentioned, Ward 6 provides both acute and weaning care for vulnerable respiratory patients. The ventilation system was therefore designed to serve each area according to its specific clinical requirements. All rooms within the VIC are mechanically ventilated, with cooled air supplied at a constant temperature of 16°C. Air is delivered to patient rooms via two new air
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 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100 |
Page 101 |
Page 102 |
Page 103 |
Page 104 |
Page 105 |
Page 106 |
Page 107 |
Page 108 |
Page 109 |
Page 110 |
Page 111 |
Page 112 |
Page 113 |
Page 114 |
Page 115 |
Page 116 |
Page 117 |
Page 118 |
Page 119 |
Page 120 |
Page 121 |
Page 122 |
Page 123 |
Page 124 |
Page 125 |
Page 126 |
Page 127 |
Page 128 |
Page 129 |
Page 130 |
Page 131 |
Page 132 |
Page 133 |
Page 134 |
Page 135 |
Page 136 |
Page 137 |
Page 138 |
Page 139 |
Page 140 |
Page 141 |
Page 142 |
Page 143 |
Page 144 |
Page 145 |
Page 146 |
Page 147 |
Page 148 |
Page 149 |
Page 150 |
Page 151 |
Page 152 |
Page 153 |
Page 154 |
Page 155 |
Page 156 |
Page 157 |
Page 158 |
Page 159 |
Page 160 |
Page 161 |
Page 162 |
Page 163 |
Page 164 |
Page 165 |
Page 166 |
Page 167 |
Page 168 |
Page 169 |
Page 170 |
Page 171 |
Page 172 |
Page 173 |
Page 174 |
Page 175 |
Page 176 |
Page 177 |
Page 178 |
Page 179 |
Page 180 |
Page 181 |
Page 182 |
Page 183 |
Page 184 |
Page 185 |
Page 186 |
Page 187 |
Page 188
