“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then is not an act, but a habit” Aristotle
The Surgical Ambulatory Care Unit project recently completed by Russell Cawberry at St Helier Hospital in Surrey is perhaps the epitome of everything that has endorsed Russell Cawberry’s reputation as experts in the health sector.
Russell Cawberry were awarded the £2.2 million SACU scheme through competitive tender based on cost and demonstrable experience of successful delivery of major refurbishment and structural alterations for clients such as University College London Hospital. The Director of Estates and Facilities Directorate at UCLH, was able to vouch for our work in occupied hospitals and wrote “In the time they have worked with us, Russell Cawberry Limited, has repeatedly demonstrated excellent relationship management skills which are essential in a 24/7/ clinical environment.”
In addition to the requirement of understanding the clinical environment, working within the heart of the fully operational hospital and directly adjacent to occupied wards and clinical areas, the SACU project demanded a large amount of heavy structural alterations. We removed 80 potted block walls and 50 plaster board walls during the demolition stage, constructed new partitions to form the new areas and provided complete M&E design and installation by the RCL M&E team. Our competitors did not believe the project could be completed in anything less than a period of 24 weeks, Russell Cawberry completed it in 17.
How did we do it? Our directly employed team was immediately deployed to commence the works within the mobilisation period allowed in our robust programme, our procurement teams whom understand the specialist supply market for the healthcare sector initiated procurement during the preconstruction phases and worked closely with our in house M&E team and specialist suppliers for the delivery of bedhead panels, trunking and specialist gases installations. This coupled with a team prepared to work out of hours and the resource capability to be able to have, at one point, 71 operatives on site, resulted in a quality finish on time.
But perhaps, one of the most satisfying elements of the project was to see the development of our Site Manager, Richard Stewart. Richard has worked for Russell Cawberry for 22 years, joining the company at the tender age of 18 as an apprentice electrician. Richard progressed through the company to M&E Coordinator and was promoted to Site Manager to deliver the SACU project. With careful guidance and total support from Antony Dillon, Director and Stuart Lovelock, Project Manager, Richard was able to guide the site team and manage the entire process through to a successful delivery where he received accolades from the client team : “From day one you have demonstrated a professional approach and a flexible and friendly manner. You are always willing to listen and communicate to achieve the best outcome for all parties. I am very pleased to have worked with you on this project and look forward to working with you and your team in the future.” M&E Estates Supervisor.
Derek Bolton, Head of Capital Projects said “It has been my pleasure to have worked with Russell Cawberry on the SACU project.” He explained “the on-site relationship with stakeholders was second to none and refreshingly all members enthused efficiency in all areas. It is not often that I can compliment a contractor but Russell Cawberry were professional, non-confrontational and sincerely passionate in their approach to get the job done!”
Richard was delighted to take on the project where he explained… “When I first left school I worked at St Helier Hospital as a Porter. It was great to come back and see some of the faces I used to work with all those years ago! I have really enjoyed my time on this project and I really hope we are successful in winning more work here.”
Richard and the RCL team have been retained to carry out an enabling works package for the HDU where they will hand over a shell on the 2nd Floor of C Block within a 4 week period. This will eventually be fitted out to create a new HDU Facility.
The SACU Project works comprised:
Demolition and strip out of existing office and library area and fit out to create a surgical ambulatory care unit consisting of 10 bed bays, 5 single bedrooms, 3 consulting/exam rooms, 4 recliner bay, 4 trolley bay, waiting area, kitchen facilities, shower, WC, Dirty and clean utility, communications room and other amenities. Works also include 41 window replacements and upgrade of stairwells to provide 1 hour fire rated enclosure and installation of AHU and plant support to roof areas.