In April 2014 MTX were awarded the contract to design and build an additional ultra clean operating theatre for the Royal National Orthopaedic hospital NHS trust at Stanmore Hospital. RNOH is the largest orthopaedic hospital in the United Kingdom and is regarded as a leader in the field of orthopaedic works world-wide.
The Requirements
The aim of the scheme was to provide additional operating theatre capacity by utilising an existing sterile store area along with new modular construction to accommodate a new ultra clean operating theatre to increase the total number of theatre suites on the site to 10.
The Solution
MTX commenced works on site in June with the strip out works of the existing sterile store, which previously served theatre 4 at RNOH. Alongside this substructure works commenced to accommodate the 4no new bespoke modules, which were being manufactured off site. The substructure works included 20no mini piles, drainage diversions and a retaining wall.
The internal works to the existing building included removing all the existing sterile store floor which was replaced with additional floor steels and a GIFA floor board to provide a loading and response factor suitable for a ultra clean operating theatre. The full existing gable end of the building was removed ready to accommodate the new modules, which would increase the existing floor area to accommodate a full theatre suite including anaesthetic, preparation room, dirty utility and scrub. The walls were constructed with a pre finished stelvatite steel coated finish to provide a seamless sterile environment.
As part of the internal re-modelling works key existing services had to be relocated including ultra clean canopy controls, IPS and UPS equipment and electrical distribution boards. All these works were taken to near completion to reduce the down time of the existing theatre.
Externally the new modules were clad with a king span rib deck finish with all joints matched to ensure a seamless architectural appearance which tied in to the existing building.
To access the new first floor modular plantroom MTX designed a new steel gantry supported off an existing retaining wall.
Main Considerations
The new operating theatre was installed in a location adjacent to existing theatres and to the main outpatients department drop off area. Careful planning was essential to ensure minimal disruption to the hospital procedures as well as the public interface. All modules were manufactured to bespoke shapes and sizes to ensure best use of the very tight space available. Logistics for the site were well planned to allow complex groundworks to be carried out within the normal working hours.
Internally use of hermetically sealed automatic sliding doors ensured users gained all of the space available. These doors were also installed with interlocking traffic light system door locks to the users requirements.
The complete programme of works including commissioning and validation were completed in a 18 week period.
