The hospital’s radiology and oncology departments required configuration to provide a range of new equipment, including four new CT scanners, general X-ray, dental X-ray, interventional X-ray and an MRI scanner. Support spaces such as in-patient and out-patient waiting were also required.
Not only did the construction work need to be carried out within a live hospital environment, but also during the pandemic which affected the services and areas of the hospital that were able to be accessed. We built a close working relationship with the specialist equipment suppliers, looking at specific room requirements, equipment structural loads and delivery routes to the final examination rooms.
We worked closely with Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and department heads to understand the needs of the departments, and to understand what parts of the current hospital needed to remain operational during the works. A phased approach meant that critical rooms within the existing hospital could remain open throughout construction. Once elements were completed, they were brought into use as soon as possible, enabling the trust to deliver the services required.
"Working with Roberts Limbrick Architects feels like a true partnership. Their staff invest time and considerable effort to understand the operational impact of their design against the future direction of the clinical services. Ultimately this culminates in an intelligent well thought through solution maximising operational efficiency in a well-constructed and designed estate. Roberts Limbrick are always available to discuss issues that are raised and never shy away from challenging conventions in the effort to strive for the best solution. A pleasure and a privilege to work with them."
The new facilities and up to date equipment will ensure that Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust will be best placed to offer the full range of diagnostic radiology required in modern medicine. The equipment improves cancer diagnosis and treatment and helps determine which surgeries are necessary, therefore reducing the need for exploratory surgery.
