A&E Ward Refurbishment


University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff



  Project Background

The refurbishment of the A&E ward at the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff presented a unique set of challenges, exacerbated by the onset of the global COVID-19 pandemic. The project involved refurbishing key areas within a live A&E ward, requiring a delicate balance between construction work and the critical operations of the hospital.



  Challenge

The primary challenge was to carry out the refurbishment amidst the operational demands of a busy A&E ward, which were intensified by the pandemic. The lockdown and changing operational spaces within the A&E department required a flexible and innovative approach to ensure the safety of both the construction team and hospital staff and patients.

Objectives

ENVIRONMENT ENHANCEMENT

WARD REFURBISHMENT


Initiative and Implementation:

Focus MEP's approach to this project included:


  • Collaborative Strategy: Working closely with the Health Board to understand and adapt to the evolving needs of the A&E department during the pandemic.
  • Safe Working Practices: Implementing stringent safety protocols to protect workers and hospital staff from COVID-19 exposure.
  • Revised Operational Strategy: Developing a new way of working that allowed construction to proceed without disrupting the critical functions of the A&E ward.

Results and impact

  • Phased Construction: Implementing a phased approach to refurbishment, allowing parts of the A&E ward to remain operational.
  • Rapid Response to Changes: Quickly adapting to the dynamic situation imposed by the pandemic, including changes in hospital operations and safety guidelines.
  • Communication and Coordination: Maintaining open lines of communication with hospital staff to minimize disruptions and ensure a cohesive workflow.


Value

The proactive and collaborative approach was key to the successful delivery of this project. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the lockdown, the team managed to hand over newly refurbished areas without disrupting the operational use of the A&E ward at the University Hospital of Wales. This achievement underscores the team's commitment to delivering high-quality results under the most challenging circumstances.


Conclusion

The A&E Ward refurbishment at the University Hospital of Wales stands as a testament to the resilience and adaptability in the face of unprecedented challenges. The project's success during the COVID-19 pandemic highlights the importance of collaborative approaches, flexible strategies, and stringent safety practices in healthcare construction projects.