UCLH – Neurometabolic Lab

The project was the refurbishment of the Neurometabolic Laboratory, on level 6 of the Queens House Building, across 180m2.

The Logistics for this project necessitated creating a compact contractors compound at ground level, located within the hospital’s service yard, so as not to impinge on the normal operations of the Neurology and Neurosurgery unit. We placed an Oasis cabin within the service yard, to supplement the internal welfare facilities offered by the Hospital Trust, as despite intentions, their use was not available at peak times, owing to other hospital activities. Deliveries and waste collections were coordinated with the Trust’s security and stores managers, to avoid conflict with 2 hourly medical samples’ deliveries. Access for materials and waste, was to use a shared goods lift, which we applied protection to throughout the project.

A permit to work system was in operation, to comply with the Hospital Trust’s system, for medical gasses, electrical high voltage, electrical low voltage and water systems which included liaison with separate engineers for each of them. Works were carried out to comply with Hospital Technical and Building Memoranda,(HTMs and HBNs) again requiring the relevant hospital engineer’s sign offs.

Work content included:

• Stripping out lab furniture ventilation cooling ceilings
• Installation of laboratory gasses, including Nitrogen and CO2
• 2 fume cupboards replaced, and new ventilation to meet current standards
• Pneumatic tube system for transfer of medical samples
• Installation of medical grade fire doors
• Upgrades to fire alarm and lab access control system
• Fit out including minor structural alterations, new walls, ceiling and M&E services to suit new layouts
• New ceilings floors finishes, internal doors, and decoration

Working out of hours was essential due to the installation, connection and commissioning of the new negative pressure ventilation and cooling system, reusing existing condensers, arranging using permit to enter, OOH to enable shutdowns as it served multiple areas within the building.