Sheffield Health & Social Care NHS Foundation Trust - Intensive Support Services Unit

Sheffield Health & Social Care NHS Trust (SHSC) provides a wide range of specialist and primary care services to the city of Sheffield and surrounding communities.

In 2012, the trust appointed J Tomlinson as the principal contractor to undertake the construction of a brand new, state-of-the-art Intensive Support Services Unit (ISSU) on Firshill Rise, Sheffield. The eight-bed inpatient unit comprise two self-contained step down flats, as well as a number of clinical and activity rooms, which would be available for use by the community and bed-based service users.

In order to ensure the success of the project, J Tomlinson would have to liaise closely with clinical staff and patients regarding the building’s design.

It was important to the client that the new centre meet BREEAM requirements, meaning that sustainable materials, solutions and working practices were particularly critical on this project.

Communication

J Tomlinson consulted heavily with the future facility’s clinical team to ensure the design incorporated the needs of the patients, including consideration of patients with learning disabilities and mental health requirements.

The firm also engaged clinical staff and patients in the design process, with all of the artwork chosen or created by service users. Decisions were made around colour, light and circulation space create a positive environment for recovery and rehabilitation.

Prior to commencement of works we carefully planned the programme to allow efficient management of concurrent trades so as not to disrupt the ongoing service delivery and still deliver the works within a tight programme. Furthermore, daily liaison with ward sisters helped inform J Tomlinson of any ‘off limit’ zones, allowing programmed activities to be tweaked/moved accordingly.

Sustainability

In line with the building’s BREEAM requirements, a ‘green’ roof was designed using recycled hard-top insulation boards and attenuation layer. This ensured the building mirrored the surrounding natural environment.

Glare control strategies were implemented into the buildings design to maximise natural daylight levels whilst providing shading from high level summer and low level winter sunlight.

The facility contains specialist facilities for patients including interview rooms, assisted living kitchen facilities, a multi faith room with a footbath, an open air courtyard, a fitness room, a clinical room and sensory garden, changing facilities, disabled facilities and a large parking area.

The building achieved a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating for its environmental design and considerate construction, and is one the most environmentally friendly and low energy health service buildings in Sheffield boasting a ‘green’ roof and wall, and includes solar panels, sun pipes, ground source heat pumps, and good sound and heat insulation.

WASTE MINIMISATION - initiatives undertaken by J Tomlinson saw the project achieve an increase in recycling recovery rates, with 88% of waste being reused

ENVIRONMENTAL CREDENTIALS - the building achieved BREEAM ‘Excellent’ for its environmental design and considerate construction

USER GROUP ENGAGEMENT - J Tomlinson engaged clinical staff and patients in the design process

LOCAL SUPPLIERS - with 60 years’ experience, we were able to re-engage local suppliers; ensuring we maintained a low carbon footprint in line with our sustainable procurement policy, all timber was sustainably sourced and accredited to the FSC scheme

INTEGRATED SOLUTIONS - Both construction and mechanical works were undertaken by J Tomlinson’s in-house teams

HIGH-QUALITY FINISH - J Tomlinson worked with the client and other contractors on the project to deliver a state-of-the-art facility that was highly commended by the client:

“I was very impressed by the amount of thought that has gone into this project. The building itself is part of the therapeutic process and it was fascinating to be told how the design aids this, whilst being a really nice space for clients and staff.”

Dr. Karen O’Conner, GP, Sheffield Mental Health Team