Phase 1 of this 2-stage electrical project was to extend the existing eye casualty department in the Royal Eye Clinic at Kingston Hospital. A 3-storey extension was built in the six months from June 2023, to enlarge and refurbish the ophthalmology department on the ground floor, and add a Paediatric Oncology ward on the second floor, plus a plant room on the 3rd floor.
Phase 2 of the project is already under-way and focuses on a smaller area within the new build, but is confined to the ground floor/Level 2, comprising consultation rooms and vision lanes. With Phase 1 completed in December 2023, the ophthalmics on the refurbished and extended ground floor (called Level 2, as there is an undercroft area underneath) now comprise retinol consultation rooms, examination rooms, injection rooms, imaging rooms, vision rooms, circulation and support units. Waiting areas, nurse rooms and children’s play area are also part of this floor.
The Paediatric Oncology department includes chemotherapy preparation rooms, patient cubicles and bays, and support areas.
The electrical works included new switchgear, metering, bedhead trunking and nurse call system, as well as a fire alarm system extension, data cabling and containment. The area was blocked off from the main hospital (to minimise the noise and dust of construction work), which meant that work was completed in normal working hours, although some extra weekends were included to ensure the job was completed to schedule.
For every large NHS electrical project Barton Knight Contracting appoints a dedicated onsite foreman to ensure the day-to-day running of the works go smoothly and any obstacles are overcome.
Electrical Site Supervisor Scott Ferguson explains how some of the issues on the Kingston project were dealt with:
“We had some problems with getting the mains supply into our new panel to feed the extension. The route advised was too congested with existing services, so working closely with Storm Building and Bianco Sale, we advised that the route be moved externally on ladder containment. We also altered the cable from an 185mm 4 Core to Parallel 95mm 4 core SWA cables. These amendments allowed us to complete the power-supply stage efficiently and quickly.”
In addition, during the ground works, asbestos was found in the soil. This caused some delays, but Barton Knight Contracting was able to keep to the tight schedule required by using a larger team to run several parts of the works at once.
“The project was still completed on time and to the high standard we pride ourselves on,” adds Scott.
