A hospital which dates back to 1919 has been transformed into an ‘amazing environment’ with the ‘wow factor’.
Whitespace Consultants was brought in to redesign and refurbish part of Tarporley War Memorial Hospital in Cheshire to enhance clinical accommodation, increase the number of treatment rooms and support offices, and improve waiting areas and receptions.
The hospital was first built in 1919 to support those coming back from the First World War. It was original financed by the local authority, but was taken over by the NHS in 1948. By 1970 the facility was under threat of closure, but was retained after a successful campaign by local residents, staff and patients.
The hospital was looking to radically improve the experience for patients, staff and visitors
Today, the hospital is run by an independent charitable trust and specialises in the rehabilitation of the elderly, intermediate care and supporting terminally-ill and end-of-life patients. There is also a day care unit, minor injuries clinic, and a range of outpatient services.
A spokesman for Whitespace Consultants said: “The hospital was looking to radically improve the experience for patients, staff and visitors and, after listening closely to the client’s requirements, we began transforming the existing layouts.”
The work was particularly challenging as the hospital had to remain fully functional throughout the refurbishment. To address this, a phased approach was taken, with clinics moving temporarily to other parts of the building while work was taking place.
“All projects have their challenges and this one was no exception,” said the spokesman. The first step was to make structural changes to the space, removing and erecting new walls to sub-divide the area into treatment and consulting rooms. Key to this project was functionality, durability, hygiene and safety, with bespoke lockable medical cabinets being fitted to treatment rooms and preparation areas.
With clever design and space planning we transformed the existing reception area and support offices to provide a more-flexible and spacious working environment
For infection control purposes armed taps were fitted to basins, new hygienic flooring was fitted to treatment areas, and all seating is upholstered in impermeable finishes. All finishes for the cabinets and furniture were also carefully selected to provide a surface perfect for hospitals.
The spokesman said: “With clever design and space planning we transformed the existing reception area and support offices to provide a more-flexible and spacious working environment. Installing a modern reception desk with DDA-compliant features and a new storage system helped to maximise the space. Wood-effect, easily-maintained flooring was then introduced to compliment the desking and soft seating and a new decoration scheme was carefully chosen to deliver a warm, comfortable feel. Statement graphics incorporating the hospital logo put the finishing touch to the building, transforming it into an amazing environment with the ‘wow’ factor.”
