Design commenced during the winter of 2020/21 when the hospital was at full capacity dealing with winter pressures and the pandemic. We therefore adapted how we set the brief with the Trust, taking the lead in setting strategies to minimise Trust workload.

As part of this we undertake major plant option appraisals to identify an economic solution balancing the introduction of new with reusing existing. This resulted in the provision of a new substation to provide future capacity for the wider redevelopment.

Working closely with key stakeholders to review applicable standards, we provided a detailed design compliance schedule setting out deviations and the impacts for Trust sign off whilst demonstrating patient safety, environmental conditions and clinical functionality were not compromised.

We incorporated provision of decant facilities reflecting the heavily phased construction so clinical operations are maintained in full for the duration of the works which include resuscitation, MRI and theatres.

Due to restricted access our designs have been based on available record documentation with an ‘opening up’ period allowed in the programme to redesign on site collaboratively with the team when ceilings are removed.

Our designs solutions will deliver environments suitable for the highly serviced and critical accommodation, using less energy and carbon, plus responding to the bespoke BRE BREEAM assessment.