Stakeholder-led upgrade of Alnwick Day Surgery completes
Work has completed on a tailored package of upgrades to improve the internal environment for staff and patients at the Alnwick Infirmary Day Surgery.
The £1.8m transformation was driven by the need to replace air handling units for the Endoscopy and Day Surgery Theatre to ensure compliance with HBN and HTM guidance. This was to provide sufficient air quality and hygiene for clinical safety, and a comfortable environment for staff and patients. In collaboration with M&E consultants Desco, and cost consultants Turner and Townsend, Medical Architecture led a feasibility study for Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust to explore options for progressing various other functional and environmental improvements during the required downtime.
The transformation has included upgrades to equipment and infrastructure, including pendants, monitors and lighting.
Strategy informed through engagement
Through a partnership approach with the Trust and a continuous programme of stakeholder engagement, the team arrived at a tailored package of improvements to meet the specific needs of the clinical team, set against a challenging budget and programme.
As OPUS Building Services progressed the works, regular engagement with clinical teams continued on site. During this time, additional critical needs were highlighted that would ensure that the working environment would meet both current and future requirements. The collaborative nature of the project team ensured that the impact on cost and programme was monitored and managed effectively throughout.
We understood the importance of efficient delivery, as returning the Day Surgery to operation was critical to a programme of work elsewhere in the estate. A close partnership and continuous communication between all parties was fundamental to achieving this.
Dedicated recovery spaces which benefit from improved air quality and environmental conditions, supporting wellbeing.
Upgrades include new flooring throughout clinical areas, the installation of automated theatre doors, and other improvements to enhance both the patient and staff experience.
Improved environments for all
The outcome is an improved working environment for clinicians, with upgrades to equipment and infrastructure, including pendants, monitors and lighting. The improved air quality and environmental conditions support wellbeing, both for staff, and for patients in the dedicated recovery spaces.
The interior aesthetic has also been improved, with new ceilings and updated finishes throughout. The interior strategy was devised with input from stakeholders with a focus on standardising specifications and finishes with recent work on the Trust’s estate, making it simpler to manage, and more cost effective to maintain long term.
The recent refurbishment of Alnwick Day Surgery has marked a significant milestone in our commitment to delivering high-quality patient care. The successful refurbishment is a testament to the collaboration of all teams involved. Staff and patient feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.