LST Projects has completed a £1.4m refurbishment at Dorset County Hospital in Dorchester.

The project, which is LST’s first for Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, has created a new unit for people having elective orthopaedic surgery.

LST transformed the former Ridgeway Ward to create the new space which comprises 24 beds, a lounge for patients and a therapy suite for their recovery. The scope of works saw the team replace internal partition walls, upgrade the flooring and sanitaryware, redecorate, and install new mechanical systems, including an air handling unit (AHU), which was craned onto the roof.

The unit’s location required LST to set up its site compound in a live car park located between two entrances and ambulance drop-off points.

Commenting on the challenges, Chris Taylor, Contracts Manager for LST, said: “Site logistics, including the management of larger deliveries and the crane lift, had to be carefully planned to maintain access for the ambulances. Plans for the crane lift began 12 weeks prior to its arrival as this required both entrances to close for the day.

“We worked closely with the hospital’s staff to minimise any disruption throughout the project. Weekly meetings were held with our client to discuss the programme and manage any noisy works, ensuring there was no negative impact on the neighbouring operating theatres.

“As the project progressed, we also engaged with the nursing staff to ensure the upgrades met their needs and accommodate any required changes.”

Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon at Dorset County Hospital Nick Savva said: “We have been very fortunate to have been given the opportunity to develop the Ridgeway Orthopaedic Elective Unit. It has been designed to the highest standards and will facilitate world class levels of care and efficiency."

Funded by NHS England, the scheme was designed by Kendall Kingscott and is the second phase of a programme to reduce waiting times for appointments and surgery.

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