Scotland

Refurbishing Glasgow Royal Infirmary

Glasgow Royal Infirmary refurbishment

Over recent years Wylie Shanks Architects have been appointed on the refurbishment of 17 wards and various associated infrastructure projects as part of an ongoing programme of works undertaken by NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde to fully refurbish the ‘old’ Glasgow Royal Infirmary.

The Category B listed buildings in Glasgow Royal Infirmary are being upgraded and renovated in order to provide a brand new look for the wards, patient facilities and service infrastructure. Work currently comprises a complete refurbishment of Wards 4 and 5 to bring them in line with modern standards.

Work began with a new enclosure for the standby generators, and was closely followed by wetroom and toilet upgrades. Multiple ward improvements are also being made to upgrade the open plan `Nightingale` wards.

Glasgow Royal Infirmary refurbishment

The brief requires the refurbishment of finishes and services infrastructure, along with fabric repairs and improved disability access/provisions

The renovation is being carried out progressively in order to suit healthcare and occupational priorities. This has resulted in several contracts to ensure minimal disruption to ongoing patient care. Contractors are also asked to comply with latest HAI_SCRIBE requirements to minimise infection risk to adjoining occupied areas.

Glasgow Royal Infirmary refurbishment

Internal work involves the overall layout being changed to comply with latest requirements on bedspacing and wash hand basin numbers for improving standards of infection control. All floor, wall & ceiling finishes are being replaced.

All mechanical and electrical installations are also being upgraded as part of the ongoing ward refurbishment programme including new fire alarms, nurse call, door security, full rewire and total replacement of the water pipework installation.

Glasgow Royal Infirmary refurbishment

The external design of the wards will show new hardwood windows with sand mastic pointing to perimeter of openings. Due to the hospital building being listed, the replacement windows required listed building consent before works could be carried out.

As work on Ward 5 has recently been completed the project is currently focused on renovating Ward 4. Downtakings are currently progressing to allow coring works for new drainage to be installed; this requires close co-ordination with the hospital management due to ward decant requirements.

Glasgow Royal Infirmary refurbishment

In order to accommodate the hospital’s daily operations work which includes high levels of noise are suspended for agreed periods each day, giving staff and patients respite from building related activities.

In addition, sealed screens and dedicated contractor access points have been employed to allow clinical services to be unaffected by the works wherever possible.

About the author

Roma Publications