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Video - time lapse of construction
The 144 steel modules were erected on site at the AAU in just three weeks
The Medicinq Osborne consortium is working with West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust to deliver a healthy future for people living in and around the Watford area.
Work on the UK’s largest Acute Admissions Unit (AAU) started in October 2007 and is scheduled for completion in August 2008.
The AAU, which will be linked to the existing hospital, forms part of a £34 million reorganisation and modernisation of acute services in the area. A new model of care will be employed to improve the patient experience with rapid, consultant-led diagnosis for emergency cases and treatment closer to home.
The three-storey building will provide 120 beds for emergency admissions, two cardiac catheterisation laboratories, diagnostics including x-ray, ultrasound and CT scanner, pharmacy manufacture and robotics, library and a rooftop plant room.
The structure for the main building was manufactured off-site by Yorkon, specialists in steel framed modular building. The first of 144 steel-framed modules were delivered and craned into position on 27 March 2008. Approximately nine modules were installed per day, complete with partitions, electrics, plumbing, sanitary-ware and finishes already in place.
The first steel-framed modular unit being craned and set down into position.
The last modules being lowered into position on 21 April 2008.
The AAU was handed over in September 2008 and opened to the public in January 2009.
We are delighted to be working in partnership with Medicinq Osborne and Yorkon on this exciting project. 2008 will see a major improvement in hospital care in West Hertfordshire and the development of the Acute Admissions Unit will play a crucial part in securing the very best hospital services for the 21st Century.Graham Ramsay, Medical Director at West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust