The Challenge
The Hospice needed the works to be undertaken whilst remaining operational, albeit with a reduced number of beds. This required careful planning and phasing with noisy and disruptive works planned around the day to day operation of the Hospice and kept to a minimum. Safe pedestrian routes through the Hospice needed to be clearly defined, ensuring staff had continued access to all operational areas. As existing bedrooms were decommissioned, transition between new and old spaces had to be carefully managed. In particular the re-routing of medical gases and down time to swap over services had to be planned in detail to ensure minimal disruption to the day to day operation of the hospice.
As a result of the impact of the COVID pandemic the Trust agreed to the delay of the works to keep as many of the beds available on site as possible in case these were needed as emergency beds as the pandemic took hold. Once the potential need for these beds reduced, we helped the Client develop a new programme with the contactor which kept the overall delay to the programme and the final delivery of the new facility to a minimum.
The Outcome
The completed works extended, upgraded and reconfigured the 15 bed in-patient unit, creating a new outdoor terrace which patients can directly access from their bedrooms. On the lower ground floor a new wellbeing centre now acts as a flexible space for a variety of outpatient activities, allowing the hospice to provide in person emotional and social support to complement medical interventions.
A key hub for the Hospice is the new ‘Octagon’ cafe which has been carefully positioned to take full advantage of the views over North Lake. This space provides a family-friendly environment for patients and their families to spend time together. The works also saw the creation of a physiotherapy room, new nurses’ station and improved clinical meetings spaces, new catering facilities, an IT hub and a new reception area.
Alongside successfully modernising the Hospice, the completed project also provides increased potential for the Hospice to generate revenue.