3 North A ward – EPIC unit, Royal Free Hospital
Case studies > Capital projects
The conversion of former day surgery and surgical admissions area to create a new purpose built 20-bed enhanced postoperative integrated care (EPIC) unit in a mix of open wards and individual rooms. HBN compliant with state of the art equipment including full provision of bed hoists, Oxygen and RO water. The unit comprises multiple clinical areas including a post anaesthesia care unit (PACU) and additional surgical HDU and ICU. All new ancillary and support accommodation was provided for all areas as well as a relatives’ room and a AV enabled multi-disciplinary seminar and training room.
Scheme highlights
A phased delivery of the space enabled the scheme to support patient demand at the peak of the pandemic in Jan 2021. ITU bed bays and rooms with innovative glazed screens and walls to support more efficient patient/staffing ratios. Opportunity taken to provide Medical gas to seminar room in support of training. Project was within budget and contingency was utilised to enhance the entrance to the EPIC unit which wasn’t originally in scope.
Challenges
The brief was to deliver at a time when the impact of the pandemic affected deliveries and staffing. A very agile approach to programming and storage, and to design which took place whilst enabling works were stripping out the space was adopted. The 3rd floor location presented logistical challenges with access for extensive equipment and materials required as well as to occupied nearby Covid wards. Good and timely communications, engagement with IPC and support for the staff and workforce were key.
Key Details
Cost £8.9m
8 month programme from inception to completion
Services Provided
Project Management
Relocations and commissioning
Procurement
Pre-contract/post-contract management
