Working alongside main contractor Barnes Construction we carried out a comprehensive mechanical and electrical refurbishment of the mortuary facilities at Southend Hospital, Essex.

Following on from the demolition of part of the existing building, a new extension was constructed to accommodate the ground floor dissection suite, with a first floor plantroom housing the primary mechanical equipment, a new switch room and an IT room. The existing ground floor area was refurbished and fitted out to incorporate all of the new body freezers.

The works were carried out in full compliance with HTM Guidelines. The complex ventilation systems included two main air handling units, a dedicated dissection extract system, two roof mounted air source heat pumps with associated buffer vessels providing the heat source for the air handling plant, upgraded cold water and CAT5 booster sets, and a VRF system serving the office, reception and viewing areas.

The electrical services comprised high efficiency LED lighting throughout, featuring LED “sky lights” to internal spaces, all integrated with a smart lighting control to optimise energy efficiency and daylight dimming when natural lighting levels are sufficient. In addition, new small power provisions were installed across the facility covering fire alarm, disabled refuge services, door access, security systems and a roof mounted photovoltaic array.

A new electrical infrastructure was introduced in the basement of the existing building, with scope for future secondary back up supplies. To facilitate safe connection to the existing LV panel a complete shutdown was arranged and coordinated with the Trust.