Works needed to be completed while maintaining ‘live’ delivery and the full operational capacity of the hospital.
The work was time-critical, and needed a high degree of specialist project-management experience which Barton Knight Contracting was able to supply, with a dedicated on-site foreman to liaise with the other contractors and hospital staff.
During Phase 1, an existing scanner, control and cannulation room were completely refurbished with additional structural steelwork introduced to support the weight of the latest multi-operation Siemens MRI scanner.
Phase 2 works included an enabling package, a new scanner, control and technical rooms, with associated hot/cold waiting areas and accessible WC.
A new Carville’s 1600amp panel board, upgraded LV transformer and feeder pillar were required, plus all associated cables from sub-distribution boards, as well as new generator cables (preventing any mains disruption to the operating MRI).
Using temporary generators meant the old LV transformer and infrastructure could be craned out over a five-storey building and swapped with the new equipment.
Work continued on a 24/7 basis with two teams of operatives to ensure the equipment was installed and connected by the designated time. This was achieved with time to spare.
The infrastructure for the new reception, waiting and consultation rooms was achieved by removing a courtyard garden and running new submains cabling at high level to new switchgear.
“This kind of project requires very specialist knowledge and expertise,” explains Mel Horton, Senior Contracts Manager for Barton Knight Contracting. “It’s not work that can be done by most companies or contractors, who may not be aware of NHS procedures. You’re dealing with an ongoing live environment where people’s lives are literally on the line. If you throw a switch you have to know what you’re doing, and what the ramifications are.”
Mel continues: “There are often on-the-job changes which have to be accommodated and worked out quickly and efficiently with a number of different parties who may have differing agendas – from the matron to the main contractor and specialist equipment sub-contractor. At Barton Knight Contracting we have significant experience in this area – our reputation rests on the successful delivery of projects like this. I’m happy to say that following the project’s completion we were employed by the Trust again and recommended to another Trust.”
