LST’s refurbishment of a neonatal unit at Princess Anne Hospital has moved another step closer following two major crane lifts.

The first 80-tonne crane was required to lift steel onto the hospital’s roof where LST constructed a steel frame in preparation for the second lift. This saw the arrival of a 300-tonne crane for lifting extensive plant and equipment, including two air handling units, chillers, a prefabricated package plant room and associated pipe and ductwork.

LST worked collaboratively with key stakeholders from the NHS Trust to meet exact timescales and manage the closure of the hospital’s main car park to accommodate the cranes.  The large air handling units, which are each circa the size of a double decker bus, also required a police escort into the site.

A logistics plan was agreed to minimise disruption and ensure emergency ambulances, women in labour, taxis and disabled people could safely access the unit. LST also used flyers, social media and the hospital’s intranet to proactively inform all staff of the works.

“Everyone worked really hard to ensure these huge crane lifts were carried out safely and efficiently, said Justin Horton, Site Manager at LST. “Thanks to a collaborative effort, we were able to open the car park half a day earlier than planned.”

The LST team is now installing ductwork, electrical containment, wiring and heating pipework as part of the project’s first phase. Due to hand over in early November 2024, this element also involves the installation of new floors and door sets together with painting, decorating and carpentry works.

Situated between two other floors, the neonatal unit’s location presents several logistical challenges for LST.

“All our materials are being delivered to a site compound just off the entrance to Princess Road and then have to be transported through occupied areas where there are lots of patients,” explained Justin. “There is a stringent cleaning regime in place, and we are carrying out health and safety reviews with the hospital every two weeks.”

Following the introduction of the Building Safety Act, the project is being overseen by the new Building Safety Regulator (BSR). The BSR is ensuring the design meets the functional requirements of the building regulations, a process known as planning gateway 2.

The second phase of works will see LST fit out staff rooms, a doctors’ room, toilets and a storeroom.