A highly complex, 4,200sqm two-storey ward building at Royal Stoke University Hospital has been constructed by Portakabin Hire in less than four months to help meet the increasing demand for orthopaedic services.
Disruption to Service Provision Greatly Reduced
The structure for the high quality patient facility was installed in just 18 days which included weekend working to minimise disruption to the hospital’s service provision as there were fully operational wards immediately adjacent to the new building. This construction solution allowed the project to be built in the shortest possible time to the benefit of patient care.
The purpose-designed scheme has provided 56 new in-patient beds and two large state-of-the-art, clean air theatres, as well as utilities, recovery facilities, offices, 33-person ‘crash team’ lift, and integral plant room. It is constructed to permanent standards and to the latest healthcare best practice guidelines.
The Trust’s Perspective
John Simpson, Director of Corporate Services at University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust said, “This type of construction allowed us to benefit from a much shorter delivery programme so we could have the new facility up and running more quickly, meeting the increasing demand for services and enhancing patients’ experience.”
“Whilst the building is constructed to permanent standards, its modular construction gives us greater flexibility as the facilities can be dismantled and removed if service needs change. We had an extremely tight timescale to deliver this complex building for the relocation of clinical services – but I am delighted to report that this was achieved.”
“The new facilities have been very well received by patients and staff. There is excellent light, space, décor and infection control. Portakabin Hire successfully installed the building next to the main hospital with minimal impact on service provision. This required detailed logistical planning and the whole installation operation was carried out with military precision by a superb site team. The final design is extremely good.”
Jeanette Carter, Royal Stoke Ward Manager, said, “The overall design and layout of the building are fantastic and the interior is very welcoming. We have a lot more space, particularly around beds, to facilitate patient contact and to accommodate any equipment we need. Everything fits into the ward space really well and there is better storage. The wards are airy and the design features – such as integral blinds for the windows – make infection control much easier. We also have more side rooms available which help to reduce waiting times. There has been a lot of positive feedback from staff and patients since we moved into the new building.”
Interim Building Solutions to Help NHS Trusts Increase Capacity
The hiring of modular accommodation is a fast, flexible and cost-effective way for healthcare providers to expand or relocate services, particularly on constrained hospital sites and funded from revenue rather than capital budget streams. The approach gives NHS trusts greater flexibility as the facilities can be removed if patient needs change.
Complete, fully-fitted buildings can be delivered in a fraction of the time of a site-based construction solution and with far less disruption to patient care.
Portakabin will be exhibiting at IHEEM in Manchester, 20-21 October. See us on stand number B19 or for more information about interim healthcare buildings
