MRI Suite, Hull Royal Infirmary
Location: Hull Royal Infirmary, Hull, East Yorkshire
Client: Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
Value: £500k
Timeframe: 14 Weeks
The brief
Create a new state-of-the-art diagnostic facility MRI Suite in the former kitchen and chapel situated, (which were relocated) within the main block at Hull Royal Infirmary. Work took place in a single storey ground floor building. The site was located adjacent to the hospital tower block and other taller multi-storey hospital buildings.
The response
The project involved taking a bare shell and fully constructing a new MRI suite. An external service road provided direct access to the exterior area of the MRI building. The external facade of the building was over-clad and a dedicated secure external chiller unit and plant area was created to specifically serve the MRI facility. This included:
✓ The installation of a new AHU and chillers to provide the correct environment for the scanning equipment to operate and function
✓ Construction of new stud partition walls, suspended ceilings, partitions and wall claddings
✓ Sourcing and completion of all floor finishes throughout
✓ The project was completed with a suite of bespoke hospital furniture, all manufactured by Helix CMS’ manufacturing partner Nexus Solutions
The project and all of the works were overseen and coordinated by Helix CMS’ dedicated delivery team and managed on site by its site manager. The scheme was completed on time and within budget. It was handed over with zero mechanical and electrical snags, which has set a new precedent for contractors.
The challenge
The project was carried out in a live healthcare environment. As such, Helix CMS’ applied its extensive experience of similar projects to ensure that there was minimal disruption to the staff and patients. The team’s knowledge of the healthcare sector and understanding of the environment meant that they were able to factor in access issues during planning, incorporating infection control, staff requirements and patient safety. This project was completed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, Helix CMS’ health and safety measures were of paramount importance. The team worked in partnership with Hull Royal Infirmary to implement additional measures as and when they were required to ensure the safety of both the construction and medical staff.
The key to the success of the project was engaging and managing the specialist trade contractors to manufacture and install a Faraday cage to exact specifications and tolerances along with specialist MRI equipment.
