Working within a live hospital environment, DSSR coordinated closely with clinical leads, estates teams, and the Trust’s technical representatives to ensure that all mechanical and electrical systems met the enhanced clinical requirements associated with renal care, including resilience, infection control, and 24/7 operational continuity.

Engineering a New Rooftop Plant Deck and High-Performance AHU

A major engineering component of the project was the installation of a new Air Handling Unit (AHU) located on a rooftop plant deck. DSSR led the design of the new deck, incorporating extensive structural support steelwork and careful assessment of load paths, noise impacts, and service accessibility. Plant siting was particularly sensitive due to adjacent clinical areas and restricted roof geometry, requiring innovative design solutions to achieve safe maintenance access, compliance with vibration criteria, and optimal environmental performance. The new AHU now delivers controlled, filtered supply and extract ventilation essential for renal HDU clinical standards.

Reconfiguring Existing Systems for a High-Reliability Clinical Environment

To enable the new HDU layout, DSSR undertook a full redesign and reconfiguration of existing mechanical and electrical infrastructure throughout the ward. Legacy systems—including ventilation ductwork, domestic water services, drainage, and electrical containment—were re-engineered to suit the new bed layouts and isolation requirements. Particular attention was given to infection control measures, pressure regimes, and robust segregation of clean and dirty workflows. The final arrangement supports safe clinical practice, improved patient flow, and compliance with relevant HTMs and HBNs for renal care and high-dependency environments.

Delivering a Modern, Compliant, and Future-Ready Renal HDU

Through coordinated engineering design, rigorous planning, and early engagement with Trust stakeholders, DSSR delivered a fully modernised renal HDU that meets the demanding clinical, resilience, and infection control standards of a specialist acute environment. The combination of new rooftop plant, high-efficiency ventilation, resilient power strategy, and reconfigured clinical infrastructure ensures that the new unit is not only safe and compliant, but also future-proofed to support evolving renal care pathways.