Our Major Projects Framework has facilitated a strong and evolving partnership between Robertson Construction North West and Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, resulting in significant improvements at Leighton Hospital in Crewe.
This ongoing programme of work is enhancing the hospital environment for patients, visitors, and NHS staff through redevelopment, refurbishment, and capacity expansion.
The project required an extension and modernisation to Leighton Hospital's Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Robertson was tasked with constructing a single storey extension for essential ancillary support facilities. This includes office space, meeting rooms, and overnight staff accommodation. Simultaneously, the existing ICU was modernised to incorporate four additional beds. The project also includes the refurbishment of areas to create new laundry facilities, a sewing room, offices, staff rooms, an estates workshop, rest areas, and changing rooms.
Acknowledging the vital need for uninterrupted operations within the live hospital environment, Robertson implemented a four phase plan ensuring seamless care during construction. The successful completion of this initial project not only delivered vital improvements but also built a strong sense of trust and confidence with Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, for future collaborations.
Building on this successful partnership, Robertson has continued to collaborate with the NHS Trust to address a range of infrastructural needs, such as the challenges posed by Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC).
Initially, the focus on urgent works to rectify potential defects in the concrete planks, the RAAC project has evolved into a programme of works that includes:
- Extensive Ward Refurbishments: Complete demolition and strip-out, followed by the installation and alteration of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems, internal partitions, ceilings, floor finishes, comprehensive joinery work, and the fitting of furniture, fixtures, and equipment.
- Site Redevelopment: Demolition of ten existing accommodation blocks to make way for a new 200-space car park.
- Educational Facility Enhancement: Remodelling of the School of Nursing to create high-quality office spaces and an executive suite.
- Grade A Office Fit-Out: Complete rewiring and ventilation alterations at Infinity House to provide modern accommodation for 200 staff members.
- Structural Remediation: Addressing RAAC planks through remedial and end-bearing steelwork, alongside asbestos removal and the removal and replacement of roof finishes.
- Decant Solutions: Fitting out Tatton House, the School of Nursing, and South Cheshire Private Hospital to facilitate the temporary relocation of office staff and patients.
- Modular Accommodation: Provision of temporary modular buildings to support decanting processes.
This significant phase of the project reached completion in 2023. Looking ahead, further ward refurbishment works and the installation of RAAC support steelwork are planned as part of a wider strategy to maintain the hospital infrastructure until the anticipated completion of a new hospital in 2030.
Robertson has also shown their commitment to the local Cheshire community and supporting the fundraising efforts of Mid Cheshire Hospitals Charity, with a dedicated Baby Bereavement Suite that has been created within Leighton Hospital's maternity unit.
This thoughtfully designed suite offers a comfortable and non clinical environment where parents can spend precious time with their baby in privacy. It also features an attractive outdoor space, providing families with a tranquil area for reflection and quiet moments away from the busy labour ward.
The funding for this vital facility was made possible through the "Lost Little Ones" appeal, launched by the Mid Cheshire Hospitals Charity (MCH Charity) in 2019.
Each of these projects represents significant enhancements to Leighton Hospital, directly benefiting the community of Crewe. The cornerstone of this success has been the invaluable partnership between Robertson and Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
Our consistent delivery of high-quality work has fostered a growing sense of trust and confidence within the Trust. Robertson is now recognised as a dependable and capable strategic partner, instrumental in bringing their vision for enhanced patient care in Mid Cheshire to fruition.
This crucial healthcare project was directly awarded to Robertson Construction North West by Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust through our Major Projects Framework (MPF2), highlighting the efficiency and effectiveness of this procurement route in facilitating vital infrastructure improvements within the healthcare sector.
Find out more about MPF2 here.