As part of the NHS Bedfordshire Hospitals Site Redevelopment, KIER Construction undertook the construction of new clinical buildings at Luton & Dunstable Hospital. The project, aimed to deliver two interlinked concrete frame buildings with a total investment of £168 million, scheduled for completion by the end of 2024.
The development included a 5-storey Acute Services Block and a 3-storey New Ward Block, housing essential medical facilities such as a Delivery Suite, Birthing Unit, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), Day Surgery Unit, eight new operating theatres, and a Critical Care Unit.
The construction required full perimeter independent access scaffolding for the installation of various components, including Metsec walling systems, fire protection, insulation, external façade cladding system, plant room level louvres, and roof surface coverings. Additionally, heavy-duty hoist landings and run-off platforms were needed to facilitate material distribution to internal structural floor slab levels. Specific requests in the brief highlighted the need for sensitivity due to the hospital’s operational nature, emphasizing consideration for staff, patients, and visitors throughout the construction process.
Alltask encountered challenges given the compacted corner location of the construction site, in close proximity to an existing maternity suite and other hospital departments. The site’s adjacency to operational areas and the constant flow of pedestrians, delivery vehicles, and hospital transportation services required meticulous planning to ensure the safety and wellbeing of everyone involved.
The site boundaries straddling hospital access roadways on the East and South elevations posed a challenge, leading to the need for erecting and dismantling during non-working hours. To enhance safety, physical barriers and exclusion zones were installed, and ground-level marshals were deployed to guide pedestrians and traffic safely.
Favourite and Least Favourite Aspects
The project’s location being the local Luton and Dunstable Hospital was a rewarding aspect for Alltask. Contributing to the improvement and modernisation of a significant NHS facility within the local community was fulfilling. However, the challenges posed by the close proximity to sensitive hospital areas and the need for after-hours work presented complexities.
Additional Information
KIER Construction, recognizing the significance of the project, initiated a dedicated Social Value program. This program aims to record and promote the local and non-local economic benefits achieved through the project, including opportunities for work experience, apprenticeships, and direct employment for local residents. KIER is also actively involved in charitable events, raising funds for the L&D Hospital Charitable Trust and organizing seasonal treats for children hospitalized during the Easter and Christmas periods. The commitment to social responsibility underscores the approach to community engagement in addition to the construction aspects of the project.
The project’s location being the local Luton & Dunstable Hospital was a rewarding aspect for Alltask. Contributing to the improvement and modernisation of a significant NHS facility within the local community was fulfilling. However, the challenges posed by the close proximity to sensitive hospital areas and the need for after-hours work presented complexities.