Engineering Services for Buildings

Fast track new build AMSDEC unit at Ipswich Hospital

East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust (ESNEFT) was awarded more than £3m in Government funding to enhance urgent and emergency care in the run up to winter. The Trust runs Colchester and Ipswich hospitals and a range of community health services. The financing is part of a £300m package announced by the Department of Health and Social Care.

 At Ipswich Hospital, part of the funds have been used to create additional Acute Medical Same Day Emergency Care (AMSDEC) space, where patients suffering from issues such as chest infections or palpitations can be assessed and treated quickly and efficiently, and without the need for a hospital stay.

Due to the current pandemic, the new AMSDEC unit was programmed on an exceptionally fast track basis with completion required before the year end. The scheme created a first floor new build extension and roof plant room on to the existing AMSDEC single storey building together with some refurbishment to the ground floor spaces. It was a challenging project due to the short timescales, difficulties in sourcing materials and plant at short notice, and the necessity to adhere to Covid guidelines. The project involved extended hours, weekend working, careful coordination and close collaboration with main contractor Barnes Construction, the design Consultants and the client to ensure a successful handover in accordance with the programme. Well done to all involved, a great achievement!