Client:                   Northern Devon Healthcare Trust

Value:                    £1.03m

Location:               Completed 2018

The Trust wished to create a new, easily identified, walk-in entrance to the existing A+E Department, clearly separated from the existing ambulance entrance. The new oval shaped double height entrance feature provides fully accessible facilities with new reception counter and security provisions.

The existing department was also internally reorganized and refurbished to create new triage rooms with an adjoining suite of primary care consulting examination and treatment rooms. This enables, where appropriate, patients to be streamed to receive treatment in this primary care area, and diverted from the Emergency Department.

The project was carried out in phases with the Department operating uninterrupted 24/7. Extensive areas of asbestos removal were managed as part of the contract works, and all existing building services stripped back to the existing shell and wholesale replaced with 100% new provision.

An adjacent 600sqm of accommodation was also refurbished as of the contract providing further consulting examination rooms, supporting offices, utility spaces and stores. The  proposed specification adhered to rigorous infection control standards, including door finishes and protection whilst providing a vibrant and uplifting architecture using vibrant colour schemes, murals and well considered wayfinding and space making to ensure that a pleasant patient environment was created.

The project was the final contract of a program of 4 internal ward refurbishments undertaken on behalf of the Trust by David Wilson Partnership. Other projects included a Specialist Dementia Ward. Each project demanded careful management of the contractor within the busy hospital environment, building and site and particular attention to rigorous Health and Safety standards for staff, patients and work force.