Raigmore Hospital Programme

Value: £1.9 Million

Completion: June 2023

Client: NHS Highland

Sector: Healthcare

SME Engagement (less than 20 miles): 85%

Delivery Phases: 5

Local labour (less than 20 miles): 60%

The team were always available and approachable to ensure that the project ran smoothly with no disruption to the adjacent live wards. The project was completed on the agreed dates and the overall finish is of a higher standard than we have experienced with other contractors.

Steven Mackenzie,

Senior Estates Operations Manager, NHS Highland

The Raigmore Hospital project was successfully completed to a high standard within a fast-track programme while operating in an active hospital environment.

The improvement works for NHS Highland at Raigmore Hospital were conducted in five phases while the project team operated in a live environment. The five phases included: refurbishment of the Outpatient Antibiotic Treatment (OPAT) area and medical education room, refurbishment of the Speech and Language Therapy unit, emergency works in the theatre, installation of high-voltage (HV) cables, and extension of the Sterile Services Department.

This aspect of the project was undertaken by Morgan Sindall Construction through the SCAPE Scotland Construction Framework for NHS Highland.

The improvement works for NHS Highland at Raigmore Hospital were conducted in five phases, which included:

Refurbishment of the Outpatient Antibiotic Treatment (OPAT) area and medical education room
Refurbishment of the Speech and Language Therapy unit
Emergency works in the theatre
Installation of high-voltage (HV) cables
Extension of the Sterile Services Department

As part of the programme of work, the Outpatient Antibiotic Treatment (OPAT) facilities needed to be upgraded, and the existing accommodation needed to be converted into a new medical education training room.

The OPAT project included partially stripping the area to shell and core, followed by detailed refurbishment.

All phases of the project were delivered within the live hospital environment where 24/7 operation and service continuity were essential.

The OPAT works was completed between the high-dependency unit and the COVID ward. The project team completely stripped out and refurbished the area, replacing MEP services connected to both wards. This required careful planning with the NHS Estates Team to coordinate isolations and obtain permits for medical gas installations, ensuring uninterrupted hospital services.

All new installations of medical gases, water, and electricity were required to be tested by an accredited pharmacist. With the mission to serve as the 'invisible builder' within the hospital, the project team collaborated closely with nursing staff and estate personnel regarding local operations. Furthermore, the team implemented an immediate stand-down procedure to comply with any hospital requirements.

The project team had to maintain a space in our work area to comply with the hospital’s fire evacuation strategy.

The key benefits for NHS Highland throughout the project phases included faster mobilisation and responsiveness to NHS programme requirements. This was facilitated by maintaining a permanent presence in the NHS contractor's compound.

The NHS and design teams worked closely throughout all phases of the project to ensure the smooth integration of new services, minimising any impact on the live environment. We also collaborated with NHS Estates to use their spare facilities, such as replacing the sink in OPAT to meet programme deadlines.

To ensure effective project delivery and meet NHS Highland's requirements, the project team engaged early with MEP contractor G&A Barnie and retained their services throughout all programme phases. This approach preserved knowledge of NHS isolations and permit procedures and improved the team's efficiency.

These efforts enabled us to deliver high-quality, fast-track programmes for NHS Highland.