Glenfield Hospital - Refurbishment and extension of Intensive Therapy Unit

Part of the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Glenfield Hospital provides a range of services for patients, including nationally recognised medical care for heart disease, intensive care, lung cancer and breast care.

In 2019, J Tomlinson was appointed to carry out major refurbishment works to the Glenfield Hospital Intensive Therapy Unit (ITU). The project comprised the construction of a new two-storey extension and reconfiguration of the existing ICU to provide 11 additional patient beds.

Per the client’s request, J Tomlinson worked with the wider project team to co-ordinate the design and installation of additional Renal Dialysis facilities – something that was not included in the original scope of works, but added in response to Covid-19 demand.

The project was handed over in July before being cleaned and prepared ready to accept its first patients.

Live Hospital Environment

Directly located underneath the main refurbishment area was Glenfield Hospital’s Outpatient Department and directly adjacent was the existing ITU. Given the proximity of our working area to live hospital wards, working areas were fully segregated from patients with noise and dust protection, and hoarding was erected to minimise the risk of infection and disruption to the clinical environment.

Health and Safety Compliance

COVID-19 safe working: A portion of work took place in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. J Tomlinson helped ensure the safety of patients and clinical staff with rigorous safety measures including social distancing, regular hand washing and stringent cleaning routines. This was supported by the delivery of regular health and safety toolbox talks and strict use of protective personal equipment (PPE).

As a result of the COVID-19 outbreak, additional ITU beds were urgently required support increased admissions. As such, we implemented day, night and weekend working shifts to accommodate this requested programme acceleration. J Tomlinson successfully met the revised timescales, providing additional beds at a critical time for the hospital.

Accident and incident-free project: Throughout these works we achieved zero reportable health and safety accidents and incidents. As part of our proactive approach to health and safety, all operatives received a contract specific induction prior to commencing works, outlining specific risks associated with each tasks and relevant mitigation.

Collaborative Working

Overcoming design challenges: J Tomlinson worked closely with the nominated design consultants, Chadwick Design, throughout the project. Early into the project, we encountered issues with the accuracy of the original ground plans in terms of existing foundations and drainage. Upon discovery, we worked closely with Chadwick Design to obtain key details from additional site investigations and measurements so the designs could be amended to accurately reflect the project site.

Working with specialist subcontractors: Given the specialist nature of the wards, specialist equipment was required, including ICU bed head units, patient hoist systems, medical gas systems and Renal Dialysis Equipment. These installations were managed through close liaison with the specialist contractors involved alongside our approved subcontractors.

SOCIAL VALUES - Goodwill gestures undertaken by J Tomlinson in line with the company’s commitment to leaving a legacy in the communities in which we work included donating easter eggs to the Glenfield’s children’s ward, as well as donating used wood to the Riding for the Disabled Assocation (RDA)

ADDITIONAL WORKS - RENAL DIALYSIS UNIT - Per the client’s request, J Tomlinson worked with the wider project team to co-ordinate the design and installation of additional Renal Dialysis facilities – something that was not included in the original scope of works, but added in response to Covid-19 demand. Despite incorporating these significant variations, works were still completed to the agreed programme

BREEAM PROJECT - Sustainable measures and working implemented throughout the project – including the installation of low carbon LED lighting – saw the project meet the BREEAM ‘Good’ sustainability standard

ACCELERATED PROGRAMME - As a result of the COVID-19 outbreak, additional ITU beds were needed urgently. As such, we implemented day, night and weekend working shifts to successfully provide additional beds at a critical time for the hospital