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West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust
Description: Centralisation of acute services to Watford General Hospital including; Creation of Acute Admissions Unit (120 beds); Expansion of ITU New Post Graduate Centre; Expanded Cath Lab provision, re-designed front of house some general ward configuration Improved and enlarged car parking facilities
Procurement: ProCure 21
Value: £30 million
Programme: August 2006 - October 2008
Vision
To improve the effectiveness of the clinical services in order to meet national performance and quality targets by 2008-09. To centralise emergency care in a 120 bed unit.
Challenge
- To minimise disruption to clinical services, develop fast-track construction solutions
- Ensure that all stakeholders were engaged
- Improve patient and staff flows
- Provide future flexibility
Solution
Modular construction reduced completion time by 6 months. The off site construction process also ensured that there was minimum disruption to patients and staff on the busy hospital site. Reduction in waste and transport to the site was an added benefit for the Trust. Close working with the Trust and a robust communication plan ensured that involvement with staff, local residents and other stakeholders were maintained. Staff were encouraged to see the modular units before they were transferred to site allowing them to plan patient flows and new working practices.
Benefit
The facility represents a new model of care which will offer rapid assessment and consultant-led diagnosis for emergency cases. The timeframe has allowed for staff to become familiar with the new building and for appropriate fitting of all scanning and x-ray equipment. The flexibility of modular units means that the Trust will be able to respond to future demands on its service quickly and efficiently.
Architects: Murphy Phillips
Q/S: Turner & Townsend
Structural & M&E: White Young Green