A fully-serviced, 20-bed ward has been constructed in less than three months to help the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow manage increased demand over the winter period.
The building is on hire from Portakabin Hire for an initial year and will provide a new interim short stay assessment unit.
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 tight timescales.”
“We were confident in the company’s track record and that its buildings met the required NHS standards. Its Crown Commercial Service framework agreement also allowed us to fast track the order.”
He added: “The new building is tremendous and everyone is delighted with it. It meets all permanent building standards and complies with NHS requirements, which means it will serve us well for as long as we need it. The staff are very happy working in this wonderful new facility.”
The building was developed in just 10 weeks and was handed over three days ahead of schedule.
The gradient of the site required extensive ground works, including 5ft foundation pads, which Portakabin completed within just one week of receiving the order.
The development also 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 747sq m building incorporates a mix of four-bed and single-bed en-suite rooms, a large reception area, nursing station, shower rooms, kitchen, utility rooms, quiet room and stores.
