INFRASTRUCTURE AND RAAC MANAGEMENT
staff were involved and informed, and that the final design reflected the operational needs of the service. This inclusive approach helped to build confidence and readiness ahead of the transition to the new ward environment.” “Tilbury Douglas have delivered a challenging project
Single Bedroom layout with en suite.
with the changeover requirements provided by the main switchgear. Each 60 kVA unit is fully compliant with HTM 06-01 and provides 60 minutes of battery autonomy. The UPS systems operate in an N+N parallel redundant configuration, maintaining an output of 48 kW for up to 60 minutes at a power factor of 0.8. They also provide overload capacity of 125 per cent for 10 minutes and 150 per cent for 1 minute, ensuring resilience during periods of increased demand.
In addition to supporting the electrical distribution
network, the UPS systems provide power continuity to the Isolated Power Systems (IPS), which serve critical clinical equipment such as ventilators, patient monitors, and other essential medical devices. The IPS installation comprises 8 kVA, 230 V single-
phase isolating transformers equipped with static shields. Distribution circuits are protected by 20 A double-pole miniature circuit breakers (MCBs) housed within floor- mounted IPS enclosures. The Ward is supported by these resilient electrical
Kasia Pekala
Kasia Pekala is a senior project manager within the Major Capital Projects Team at Aintree University Hospital. She supports the delivery of the Trust’s RAAC remediation programme, contributing to the eradication of RAAC from the estate by 2032, while delivering healthcare infrastructure projects that enhance clinical environments and improve patient care.
systems, alongside a range of specialist building services that ensure the safe and effective operation of the VIC. These include general and emergency lighting, power distribution, heating and ventilation systems, life-safety systems, and the critical medical equipment required to deliver high-quality patient care and support recovery.
Collaboration as a key to successful project delivery The successful delivery of this project was driven by strong stakeholder engagement, led by the senior project manager (myself) and close collaboration between the Trust, Tilbury Douglas, and the wider design team. Regular communication and proactive coordination ensured operational requirements were met while minimising disruption within the live hospital environment. Key stakeholders included Ward 6 clinical staff (Rebecca McAlinden, Liam Campbell, Dr Robert Angus), Estates, Infection Prevention and Control (IPC), Security, IT, Medical Equipment, Domestic Services, and other departments impacted by and contributing to the project. “A key strength of the project was the collaborative engagement with the clinical team,” says Liam Campbell – advanced practice physiotherapist in long term ventilation and weaning. “Opportunities for site visits and walkthroughs were facilitated, ensuring that frontline
74 Health Estate Journal October 2026
within a complex live hospital environment, with the site positioned between key critical areas,” explains Dave Booth – senior project manager at Tilbury Douglas. “Throughout the works, the team maintained excellent communication and collaboration with all parties, helping to minimise disruption while keeping the needs of patients, staff, and visitors at the forefront. Their proactive approach and understanding of the operational pressures within a busy acute hospital setting have been greatly valued.” Equally important was the contribution of the multidisciplinary design and delivery team, comprising of Arcadis (architects – team consisted of Rachel Bruce, Neil Donelon, Victoria Rice, Aldibani Taha), Curtins (structural engineers – Dave Jones), Steven Hunt Associates (mechanical and electrical designers – Edward Raven, Neil Baines), and Tilbury Douglas (principal contractor – Ben McDermott, Dave Booth, Chris Garner, Cheryl Watt, Ishtiaq Ahmed, Simon Davies, Paul Clitheroe, Ryan Taylor). Their collaborative approach enabled challenges to be identified and resolved quickly, ensuring effective solutions were developed and implemented within the constraints of a live hospital environment. This was particularly important given the need to deliver the project at pace while maintaining patient safety and minimising disruption to essential clinical services. “Delivering Ward 6 has been one of the most complex and rewarding RAAC projects we’ve worked on, and we’re proud to have helped create an improved facility for Aintree Hospital,” says Rachel Bruce – associate principal – studio manager at Arcadis Consulting (UK). “Working together with Tilbury Douglas gave us
the opportunity to solve complex logistical and design challenges that the existing structure presented, with the support of Curtins, enabled us to retain the existing structure to provide an improved facility for the community. “Engaging with the staff user group was invaluable and fundamentally shaped how the ward needed to function to provide the highest standard of care for patients – we are pleased to see that they are enjoying their new space!”
Conclusion Internally, 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. The reconfigured layout provides four dedicated weaning rooms for highly dependent patients, eight single inpatient bedrooms, enhanced WC facilities, and improved separation between patient acute and weaning areas. Modern medical equipment, high- efficiency filtration, heat recovery systems, and room-level environmental controls support safer, more comfortable care while strengthening infection prevention measures in line with HTM guidance. Ward 6 demonstrates the value of collaborative
healthcare construction. Through careful phasing, robust temporary works, and the swift resolution of structural and waterproofing challenges, the team successfully eliminated the RAAC risk while delivering a safe, resilient, and future-proof clinical environment. This significant transformation was achieved within a live hospital setting, protecting neighbouring services and maintaining the Trust’s operational priorities throughout. We hope to deliver many more projects like this in the
future.
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