The works involved centre around the refurbishment of West Newton Ward, together with installation of an air handling unit and glass reinforced plastic enclosure, to improve air quality for patients and staff. The improvements are intended to remove impurities and germs from the air. The NHS Trusts states: “The purity and condition of the air could have detrimental effects to the patients if it has not been handled and filtered correctly” this improvement will help the lives of unwell patients enabling them to get pure clean air as they aim to get better.
The main risks associated with this project and with many hospital projects is working within a live environment. Careful planning and organisation was required prior to the commencement of the project and prior to any activities taking place. We held regular meetings with the hospitals Project Manager Colin Riches to determine the correct protocols for the works, and in particular any high risk activities.
Due to the nature of the original construction of the hospital and its age, there was a high risk that we would encounter asbestos materials. We aimed to mitigate these risks by reviewing the hospitals asbestos risk register, and liaise with the duty holder to where any asbestos contained materials were on this project and the condition they were in. If any surveys or any asbestos contained materials were likely to be disturbed during the course of the project, we would employ a licensed asbestos contractor to carry out these works.
Although the refurbishment of West Newton Ward was part of the main hospital, the location specifically allowed us to access the ward externally. This enabled us to set up our Site Compound and Boundary Fencing directly outside the ward, which was less intrusive for the hospital during the course of the project.
