Agile Retrofit- Essential Safety Compliance Upgrades don’t Have to Mean Major Disruption
Operators of public buildings can be faced with some difficult choices when the need to upgrade or reinstate fire safety measures arises. Complete closure is rarely an option, which means that works must be planned carefully to minimise disruption. Finding a construction partner that is both agile and sympathetic to operational constraints is essential.
Over time, enhancements, new regulations, alterations and normal wear and tear can erode compliance and create the need for remedial works. The value equation then has to consider not just completing the work within budget but also carrying out the work in the least disruptive way.
The Kingston Hospital NHS trust needed essential upgrade works to a 7-storey block to ensure continued fire safety compliance.
The block houses essential surgical wards and required significant improvements. Degraded fire doors had to be replaced, new fire stopping was needed where post build works had compromised integrity, and fire duct dampers had to be installed to meet current regulations.
As part of the project each room was redecorated to refresh the patient environment. Incorporating this work into the project would reduce future disruption. Also, as decorating teams were going to be onsite anyway, Osborne redecorated communal corridors and stairwells as added value within the existing project budget. This was inspired by our desire to leave behind the most welcoming environment possible for its staff, patients and visitors.
Balancing patient needs with construction was critical. Theatre space is a valuable commodity and any downtime had to be kept to the absolute minimum. Any overruns would probably result in delayed operations. Careful sequencing ensured each area was completed and handed back before work on the next area started.
Safety and Quality
There could be no compromises when it came to the safety of the employees or the public. Maintaining quality and patient safety, while completing the work within the tight time and space restrictions, was the most significant challenge.
A series of Fire Code Compliance Workshops agreed the scope and the design. The workshops produced protocols for planning and communication and also developed trust and collaboration between Osborne employees and the NHS team. Streamlined decision making enabled the project to proceed smoothly.
Work programming took into consideration the ‘winter bed pressures’ and the busy day to day hospital environment. Sympathetic to the need to minimise ward and theatre closures the team worked 24/7. Decisions were made quickly, escalated if necessary, and resolved efficiently during critical day/night working. Meticulous record keeping completed the process.
‘Just in time’ material deliveries were scheduled for nighttime, using a time slot booking system. This enabled the hospital to run smoothly throughout the upgrade programme.
Health and Hygiene
Infection control was clearly critical, particularly when working within operating theatres. Timber hoardings with double sided plastic screens, microfibre towels and HEPA vacuums were all used to control airborne dust and germs. Double bagged disposal ensured that any contamination was contained.
The team’s agile approach proved that careful planning and collaboration make it possible to carry out a significant programme of works to an operational building, without causing lengthy closures or disruption. Its also means the customer achieved their essential fire upgrade improvements while keeping operating theatres and wards open and safe to use.
