RFLPS Shortlisted for IHEEM Refurbishment of the Year Award

RFL Property Services is delighted to announce that its PET Biograph Vision Quadra project has been shortlisted for the prestigious Refurbishment of the Year award at the upcoming IHEEM Awards. This recognition highlights the remarkable work undertaken by RFLPS in collaboration with multiple stakeholders to bring cutting-edge medical technology to the UK.

The IHEEM Awards, part of the annual Healthcare Estates conference, celebrate excellence in healthcare engineering and estate management. The event, set to take place on October 8-9, 2024, will see industry leaders gather to honour the most innovative and impactful projects within the healthcare sector.

A Revolutionary Project for Cancer Care

The PET Biograph Vision Quadra, developed by Siemens and the first of its kind to be installed in the UK, represents a major leap forward in medical imaging technology. Commissioned by The Royal Free London (RFL) and project managed by RFLPS, the installation of this positron emission tomography (PET) CT scanner marks a significant milestone in cancer diagnostics and treatment. The scanner was funded by the Royal Free Charity (RFC) and the enabling works were part of RFL’s 23/24 Capital Programme and Business Objectives for Cancer Care, the project is set to transform the delivery of cancer care at RFL.

This state-of-the-art scanner is 11 times more sensitive than previous models, allowing for full-body scans to be completed in a fraction of the time while exposing patients to significantly less radiation. As a result, cancer patients at RFL are now benefiting from faster and more accurate diagnoses, enabling them to start life-saving treatments sooner.

Collaborative Excellence

The success of the PET Biograph Vision Quadra project is a testament to the meticulous planning and collaboration between multiple partners. The project was procured using the Procure 23 Framework, with Integrated Health Partners (IHP) appointed as the principal contractor. Key collaborators included Siemens, Ansell and Bailey architects, Richard Stephens Partnership mechanical and electrical engineers, and Wareham Associates structural engineers. The project was also supported by the expertise of Daniel McCool, RFL’s Head of Nuclear Medicine, alongside clinical teams and radiation physics experts.

The construction phase presented unique challenges, particularly given the need to maintain full clinical services in the adjacent PET CT and Gamma Camera suite. The site’s proximity to the heavily regulated Radio Pharmacy Laboratory required the implementation of specialist dust management techniques to ensure compliance with MHRA guidelines and maintain operational cleanliness.

Engineering Challenges and Achievements

The project involved significant engineering feats, including the construction of specialised rooms such as a scanner room, control room, and “hot toilets” that meet Environment Agency regulations. Extensive surveys were conducted to manage 19 different mechanical and electrical service diversions, all of which had to be carefully isolated and reinstated outside of clinical hours to avoid any disruption to ongoing services.

In addition to these challenges, the project required substantial structural reinforcement to accommodate the nearly six-tonne PET scanner, as well as the installation of lead-lined walls, floors, and ceilings to ensure radiation safety. One of the walls alone weighed approximately five tonnes.

A Milestone in UK Healthcare

The delivery of the PET Biograph Vision Quadra on January 26, 2024, marked a historic moment for RFL and the broader UK healthcare community. The installation of this advanced scanner not only enhances RFL’s capacity to diagnose and treat cancer but also provides new opportunities for research into other diseases, including inflammatory conditions.

The PET Biograph Vision Quadra features in this BBC news report at a 1min 20sec.