In January 2013, MTX were awarded the contract to design, install and commission 2 individual modular operating theatre suites at Wrightington Hospital for Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Foundation Trust. The aim at the outset of the scheme was to provide additional operating theatre capacity in order to cope with increased demand. The project comprises the first phase of construction for a prestigious site wide development at the hospital.
Each theatre suite comprised an operating room with integral scrub-up, an anaesthetic, a sterile pack store preparation room, a dirty utility and a staff rest area. Within one of the operating theatre suites, the contract included the installation of a 3 bed recovery suite, office space and male and female, staff changing areas. Each theatre suite has a link way corridor connecting to the main hospital building each with a dedicated, stand-alone plant room installed at first floor level.
The sub-structure work for the new theatre project commenced on site at Wrightington Hospital in January 2013, at which time the pre-fabricated building modules began production through the quality controlled manufacturing process. Scott McCaskie, project manager at MTX said; “The largest advantage of off-site construction was witnessed during this project. During the poor weather in January and February, where we encountered delays due to weather conditions, we managed to maintain our targeted construction programme. This was due to a huge aspect of the construction process taking place in a controlled environment, not effected by the adverse weather conditions.”
The scheme was installed via individual, mobile cranes, each suitably sized and sourced for the varying installation constraints. The installation period was a challenging and well planned operation over a period of two days; a single day to lift/position each building.
Internally, the new theatres were fitted out and finished to a high standard, using pre-finished walls and high care technology. Calming pastel blues have been used for the finish to floors and the doors to provide a clinical yet functional feel. Automatic sliding doors were installed to each corridor, anaesthetic and operating room exit bays, allowing easy access for theatre staff. Membrane touch screen surgeon’s panels have also been installed in each operating room allowing highly sophisticated end user control to the department, including control of the operating lamps.
Full design including building layout, building specification and all building services installation and specification was carried out by the MTX team adhering to the HTM’s, HBN’s NHS specifications and Clients requirements.
Externally the new modular building has been finished with a Plastisol panel system to stay in keeping with the existing hospital modular buildings thus providing a clean and easily maintainable modern finish.
Talking about the project Mr Malcolm Courtney, Estates Quality Manager said “MTX are an excellent company to work with. The Project Team worked with the Trust throughout the design and construction period. Every effort was made to minimise disruption on the day-to-day operations of the hospital and there was excellent management and collaboration during the construction process.
The appropriate level of Project management Staff was provided throughout the project and all issues/queries were promptly dealt with in consultation/collaboration with all parties involved.”