Substation and Power Resilience

The substations are sized so either can accommodate the entire load of the site to provide the hospital with the necessary resilience to meet current HTM standards. Three 1.5kVA containerised generators have been installed on structural bulk fuel tanks to provide backup in the event of an HV failure. From the packaged substations, 1.3km of 3,200A cast resin busbars connect to new switch rooms with 14 new LV switchboards around the hospital.

Medical Gas and Ventilation Enhancements

Mechanically, the medical gas system has been expanded throughout the hospital with a new VIE compound to provide additional resilience. Bed head trunking has been upgraded throughout all wards, with additional gas terminals installed to accommodate more beds. Enhanced ventilation systems have been provided throughout the hospital with 9 new AHUs installed on new high-level plant decks, along with 19 refurbished AHUs, introducing cooling to eight of them. New ventilation systems have been provided in Women’s Services, Theatre Department, and the Delivery Suite.

Project Phasing and Coordination

Phasing of the works was a key consideration throughout the design and installation process, along with extensive stakeholder engagement to enable all the new infrastructure to be installed and the existing equipment decommissioned and removed, ensuring the safety of patients, staff, and visitors while maintaining business as usual for the Trust. Additionally, coordination with other developments around the site, such as the installation of new MRI and CT scanners, required meticulous planning and cooperation to minimise disruptions and ensure seamless integration of projects. Budgetary constraints and logistical challenges were addressed through innovative solutions, enabling the project to stay on track while enhancing the hospital’s infrastructure.