When additional ward space was required at Princess Alexandra Hospital to meet increased demand over the winter period, Portakabin Hire constructed a fully serviced 20-bed facility in less than three months.
This project illustrates how Portakabin can deliver interim building solutions to help healthcare providers achieve the required response times during peak periods, waiting list targets and while longer-term plans for expansion are progressed.
In order to meet the challenging deadline for completion of the project at Princess Alexandra Hospital, a partnership approach was critical. Portakabin worked closely with the Trust on the design of the interim Short Stay Assessment Unit and final drawings were approved overnight.
Ensuring Delivery on Time
Commenting on the project, Clive Austin, Project Lead Manager at the hospital said, “We went out to a number of modular building suppliers and Portakabin was the first to ensure a handover date within our timescales. We were confident in the company’s track record and that Portakabin Hire buildings met the required NHS standards.”
“The building is tremendous and everyone was delighted with it. It met all permanent building standards and complied with NHS requirements, which meant it would serve us well for as long as we needed it. The staff are still very happy working in this wonderful facility.”
“Portakabin worked with us around the clock to meet the deadline. Incredibly, this fully serviced facility was completed in just 10 weeks. The building was handed over three days ahead of programme – a remarkable achievement given the time constraints and scale of the building.”
The gradient of the site required extensive ground works, including five foot foundation pads which Portakabin completed within just one week of receiving the order.
Single Point of Contact
Portakabin handled every aspect of the build, giving the Trust a single point of contact for the entire project. Work carried out included all site works, installation of climate control systems, data communications, fire alarms, nurse call systems, bedhead trunking, medical gas services, automated doors, video entry, furnishings and a link bridge to connect the new ward to the main hospital.
The 747m2 building incorporates a mix of four-bed and single-bed ensuite rooms, a large reception area, nurses’ station, shower rooms, kitchen, utility rooms, quiet room and stores.
Meeting Stringent Healthcare Building Requirements
Portakabin Hire can deliver short-term solutions for ward accommodation, recovery suites, dialysis units, diagnostics, out-patient departments and treatment centres. The hospital facilities can be constructed to the latest healthcare standards, including HTM (Health Technical Memoranda), HBN (Health Building Notes), SHTM (Scottish Health Technical Memoranda) and HAI-SCRIBE (Healthcare Associated Infection System for Controlling Risk in the Built Environment).
