Telelift enabling works, Pathology Phase 1, Southmead Hospital, Bristol

Key Facts

Client: North Bristol NHS Trust
Value: £420k
Sector: Healthcare
Architect: Avanti, London
Programme: 35 weeks

Scope of Work: Alteration to partition walls and ceilings to enable a specialist contractor to install a Telelift transportation system. A curtain walled compartment was constructed to one part of the building to allow a lift to be installed.
This was a challenging project for the client: North Bristol NHS Trust, made more complex by catering for the requirements of a foreign specialist contractor and UK nominated transportation sub-contractor. There were many technical issues involved requiring very close liaison and frequent meetings of all parties.
The transportation system is most innovative and one of the first to be used in the UK, whilst being used elsewhere in the world.
The works were made more complicated by the close proximity of other major projects – one for the new build Pathology 2 building, alterations to Pathology 1 building and a refurbishment of other premises. Joint use of access roads and parking was a major consideration.
Close liaison was therefore required between the other Main Contractors on a daily basis so that deliveries and disposal could be co-ordinated and synchronised, lessening the impact upon hospital staff and normal hospital operation
The Pathology 1 building Laboratory was occupied throughout the project requiring phased works to mitigate the effect on staff. Therefore it was essential that each phase received full protection and screening with regular cleaning and dust control.
The client’s needs and requirements were constantly considered throughout the project duration.