Following the project briefing in October 2024, the Trust worked with structural and civil engineering consultancy Perega to develop the detailed technical design for the SDEC refurbishment, marking a further milestone in their five-year collaborative relationship.
The project forms part of the Trust’s ongoing commitment to modernising facilities and improving urgent care for local patients.
The refurbishment presented opportunities to enhance efficiency within the existing hospital structure. Using Queen’s Hospital’s site records, detailed assessments were carried out on the roof structure to support additional mechanical plant required for the upgraded unit.
During the design process, the originally specified mechanical plant loading was reviewed, and a lighter alternative was identified, removing the need for a substantial new steel support frame. This approach reduced material use, minimised costs and avoided disruption to the existing waterproof roof structure.
A key challenge involved routing new ductwork from the ground floor to the roof while avoiding disruption to the fully operational ward directly above the SDEC on the first floor. Following extensive investigations, the design team delivered a solution to route the ductwork externally up the building face through a confined section of the external wall, ensuring minimal disruption to patient services.
Careful coordination was also required to manage drainage around the suspended ground floor slab and existing ground gas conditions.
The Trust worked closely with the wider design team, including Redworth Associates and Arcadis, to ensure a coordinated and robust design solution that would work within a live hospital environment.
Looking ahead, design work is also progressing on the early stages of the A&E transformation project at Queen’s Hospital.