Off-site construction specialist, Yorkon, has handed over a new purpose-built satellite haemodialysis unit for Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust. In independent tests for air permeability, the building exceeds Building Regulations Part L 2010 by 90 per cent without any adaptation to the standard Yorkon building system.
The unit, which has just opened, forms part of a £12m investment by the Trust to deliver more services out in the community in line with Government priorities for the rapidly expanding population requiring dialysis. The centre at Estover provides services for patients, many of whom require regular attendance for dialysis, in a user friendly community setting rather than a more typical large hospital environment. The previous dialysis facility in the hospital will now be reconfigured for use by the ophthalmology department.
The 954sqm single-storey building was constructed to a challenging programme and comprises 27 steel-framed modules which were craned into position in just four days.
Commenting on the project, Syd Jamieson, Project Manager at Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust said, “This new unit provides a much improved facility out in the local community. The Yorkon approach gave us the speed of construction we needed to meet our priorities for facility improvement. It was delivered on time and on budget, and we are very happy with the finished building. It has freed up space within the hospital for use by another department and has created a welcoming, high quality environment for our dialysis patients. We would definitely recommend the Yorkon approach and consider using it again.”
Designed by Yorkon, the centre features cedar wood cladding to the main entrance elevation, a blue fascia with co-ordinating blue doors and windows, and white render to the other façades. Facilities include an open plan area with 29 dialysis stations and four private cubicles, dirty and clean utilities, reception area, seminar room, kitchen, staff room/showers, IT room, consultation rooms and administrative offices.
Yorkon has a strong track record in the healthcare sector, which includes more than 50 projects for around 50 NHS trusts and private sector health providers. The Plymouth scheme follows the successful completion of a renal unit at Arbroath Infirmary for NHS Tayside in Scotland where Yorkon reduced time on site to just eight weeks and completed the project two weeks ahead of schedule. This significantly reduced disruption for the Trust and brought the facility into rapid service to the benefit of patient care.
Yorkon is part of the Portakabin Group.
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