New Cardiac Unit, Lister Hospital, Stevenage

"We are very happy with the building and are impressed with the quality of finish. The use of off-site construction also enabled us to significantly reduce disruption to the running of the hospital during the build programme.

The Requirement

A new cardiac unit was required by East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust to care for around 1,500 people each year and dramatically reduce waiting times for patients. Specialist cardiac diagnostic procedures were previously carried out either in London or in an ageing mobile unit that visited the hospital once a week.

The Solution

Yorkon completed the design and construction of a new £2.3m cardiac suite just seven months after the start of work on site – a reduction on the programme time of around 30 per cent compared to conventional site-based building methods. This has allowed the Trust to quadruple capacity.

The cardiac unit accommodates:

• The latest in medical scanning technology
• A full catheterisation laboratory and control room
• Associated treatment rooms
• A 9-bay recovery ward
• Staff facilities
• Reception area.

The single storey building was manufactured off-site in York and craned into position ready for fitting out and installation of the new scanner. The unit was located in an under-utilised courtyard and linked to the main hospital.

The logistics of constructing a building so close to other busy hospital departments, including paediatrics, A&E and outpatients, had to be addressed as part of the project, ensuring the highest levels of safety, privacy and security.

Yorkon also had to maintain access for emergency vehicles at all times and scheduled the cranage operations for weekends, when outpatients clinics are closed, to further minimise disruption. The speed of the modular approach limited the time on site, which was another important advantage for the Trust.

Comments from the Client

Peter Gibson, Head of Public Affairs, East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust:

"The treatment of coronary heart disease is one of our biggest priorities and is a key area for improvement in the Government's NHS Plan. By completing the purpose-designed building in a considerably shorter timescale, there is a direct benefit to patients who can now be seen and treated much earlier and in a state-of-the-art facility."

"We are very happy with the building and are impressed with the quality of finish. The use of off-site construction also enabled us to significantly reduce disruption to the running of the hospital during the build programme. This was a key factor given the location of the new centre, which is adjacent to the paediatrics unit and in close proximity to the accident and emergency department."

"I am pleased to report that both staff and patients are absolutely delighted with the new facilities."