We are pleased to have completed a successful refurbishment of another laboratory at James Cook University Hospital, once again delivering a technically complex project in a live clinical environment on behalf of Serco and University Hospitals Tees.
The 28-week project involved the refurbishment of a catheterisation laboratory while maintaining critical hospital services. Whilst working within a live healthcare environment always presents challenges, with this project being particularly complex due to its shared control room with an adjacent operational laboratory.
Our scope of work, valued at just under £1 million, included FFE installation with structural steelwork to support medical pendants, medical gas installation, new flooring throughout, full control room fit-out, ceilings, decorations, hygienic wall cladding, and a complete M&E package and fire protection works. During works, Phillips lab equipment was also installed by the Trust.
As part of the project, we also constructed a new IPS / UPS plant room and external structural steel frame to support a new packaged AHU, associated ductwork, and walkway decks, alongside the installation of a new roof membrane. Close collaboration between us and clinical teams as well as specialist contractors ensured the project was delivered successfully with minimal disruption.
Much of the work had to be carefully phased around hospital operations, with planned weekend activities often adjusted at short notice to accommodate emergency admissions and maintain continuity of service.
Oliver Smith, Head of Projects for South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust praised the contribution of the team throughout the scheme:
“We were very happy with the approach of the Geoffrey Robinson team on this project. Their proactive input to this technical project which was delivered in a live complex environment was invaluable to the successful delivery of the new facility.”
The project also highlighted our developing future talent. Fourth-year apprentice Sam Hunt is currently completing his JTL Level 3 Electrical Engineering apprenticeship. Having spent his apprenticeship based at James Cook University Hospital, Sam has gained new areas of expertise during this project:
“Geoffrey Robinson has been really supportive throughout the last four years of my apprenticeship and has always made me feel part of the team. Working on this project gave me the chance to learn new skills, especially around UPS and IPS systems, which I hadn’t worked with before. Phil Archer and the supervisors were always there to help and support me throughout the project. I’m looking forward to completing my apprenticeship in October and continuing my career in the electrical industry.”
We are grateful for our continued relationship with Serco and the Trust, developing trusted partnerships that have helped deliver a number of successful complex projects across the hospital estate over the last 6 years.
