QUEEN ELIZABETH HOSPITAL FAST TRACK WORKS
R G Carter have been working in collaboration with Queen Elizabeth Hospital King’s Lynn (QEHKL) to deliver an estates programme to upgrade the Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) across the hospital site. At the start of the programme in 2019, 79% of the estate had RAAC planks installed which are now at the end of their life and going through a lifecycle of being renewed through a fast-tracked procurement method. Whilst the works are progressing, assessments of other ward requirements have been considered with upgrades and refurbishments carried out alongside the failsafe system installation. Through a comprehensive decant of the wards we have been continuously rejuvenating the hospital to further improve the experience of our patients, their families and staff.
Since 2019 we have completed a variety of Fast Track and enhancement projects at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King’s Lynn as follows:
Health & Wellbeing Centre
The works comprised of the provision of a small extension together with an extensive refurbishment of the existing cancer therapy suite to increase chemotherapy treatment stations from nine to twelve.
Additional services provided in the enlarged chemo area included a new drug preparation area, plus a full upgrade of heating, electrical and medical gas services.
West Norfolk Eye Centre: Ophthalmology
This refurbishment and fit out of the existing old Fermoy Office area created a specialist New Eye Centre.
The works included:
- Structural alterations to allow the area to be remodelled
- New M&E installation
- Complete rewiring
- Ventilations installation
- New floors, ceilings, and roof lights
- Formation of Clinic and 2no Laser Treatment rooms with room in operation signs
- Nurse stations and various waiting areas
Churchill Ward – Emerson Unit
Extensive refurbishment of the existing ward to create the new Emerson Unit for Out Patients to house the Women’s Health and Maternity Services, Urology, Rheumatology and Pain Management. The works involved structural alterations to form new facilities for outpatients, complete rewiring, new suspended ceilings, floors, purpose made cabinets and an upgrade to all mechanical services. Successfully delivered on time during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, the hospital remained operational 24/7 throughout, requiring adherence to enhanced Covid safety measures. The works were delivered in just 10 weeks from a standing start with no design.
West Dereham & Brancaster Wards – Failsafe Works
As part of the programme of works in 2019, it was identified that approximately 80% of the QEHKL was built using a RAAC plank system. The hospital being fully surveyed by structural engineer, and it was advised that all RAAC planking requires strengthening works before 2030.
The West Dereham Ward was one of the first projects to form part of the fast-tracked programme to implement a failsafe solution. It was also refurbed into a clinical space to provide a decant opportunity for the future failsafe programme. Click here for project information.
Alongside the works on this ward, we were also appointed to refurbish a former outpatients unit, Brancaster Ward, to provide a post-natal unit to support with the decant failsafe programme (freeing up the Castleacre Ward to the next scheme) on the QEHKL site. Click here for project information.
Operating Theatres – (Emergency Work)
QEHKL were originally planning to undertake their theatre redevelopment later in their estates programme, however four of the theatres were deteriorating quicker than anticipated and required immediate attention.
Through a collaborate approach we worked with the hospital to install renewed RAAC planking in each of the theatres. Whilst undertaking these works we also carried out a full strip out and refurbishment to the theatres to provide upgrades facilities we upgraded the specialist M&E equipment such as an uninterrupted power supply. As part of our scope we also redeveloped associated anaesthetic rooms, lobbies, corridors, staff rest rooms and changing stores. The project was delivered within 6 months from start to finish.
Works for this project are still ongoing and we look forward to continuing our collaboration with the NHS Foundation, to ensure QEHKL provides the most effective and comfortable environment possible for its staff and patients.
