The James Paget University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust explained: “The James Paget, which opened its doors fully 40 years ago, has reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) panels across its main hospital building. These are subject of a programme of survey and precautionary engineering work, involving the installation of timber supports, to ensure the hospital remains safe until the new hospital is built. The new ward space will give the hospital additional capacity, allowing wards in the main building to be emptied while the precautionary supports are installed, without any disturbance to patient care.”
NHS design and build specialist, Health Spaces, says the new 28-bed ward, which it has also designed, will ensure the hospital can continue to provide excellent care for patients, as well as a supportive staff working environment. In addition to the ward, which includes 71% single rooms, there will be two isolation rooms.
Paul Morris, Chief Nurse, James Paget University Hospital, said: “We have made the decision to develop a new ward space that showcases the possibilities of what our new hospital could look like in the future. Providing single bedrooms will give our patients and their families and carers additional privacy, and a quieter care environment. We’re excited that this facility will provide our nursing and healthcare staff with experience of innovative new ways of working – and we will listen to their feedback, and the views of patients being cared for on the ward – as we continue our plans for a new hospital.”
Health Spaces has worked with the hospital team ‘from the beginning of its healthcare construction journey’, providing a design and build turnkey solution utilising offsite modular construction. It says the use of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) has minimised programme time and disruption on the ‘live’ hospital site.
Kelvin Moulding, director of Health Spaces: “With the modular units now in position, it is clear to see the new hospital building starting to take shape. While the use of modular bays has ensured minimal disruption, it has not dictated design or quality. Working closely with the Clinical and Estates teams, our architects have been able to understand the hospital’s key requirements – including patient experience, clinical outcomes, and operational efficiencies, and have evolved designs in partnership with the Trust.”
Mark Flynn, director of Strategic Projects, James Paget University Hospital, added: “Constructing this new ward is an exciting and important project for the Trust – and brings two benefits. Firstly, it will give us additional capacity so we can continue a programme of precautionary remedial works to our hospital roof in our ward areas. In addition, by incorporating the latest specifications, it will provide us with valuable information to assist with ward design within our new hospital, for the benefit of both patients and staff.”
In December the pre-constructed modules arrived on site via lorry utilising ‘just in time’ methodology. The internal fit-out phrase is now underway, with the new facilities expected to be operational in late April.