Endoscopy unit & theatre facilities, West Wales General Hospital

"The use of off-site construction allowed us to develop a fully enclosed site within the hospital complex and thereby expand our theatre facilities. No other building method could have achieved this without causing major problems to service provision."

The Requirement

Carmarthenshire NHS Trust had a requirement for a new three-storey theatre and endoscopy unit at West Wales General Hospital. The facilities would be located in a totally enclosed courtyard on the hospital site.

The purpose-designed facility would free up much needed space within the hospital and provide a highly flexible healthcare facility to meet future local needs.

The Solution

Designed and built by Yorkon, the new unit, comprising 38 modules, was craned into position over a fully operational accident and emergency department in a highly sensitive manoeuvre.

The innovative modular building method significantly reduced time on site, ensured noise levels were minimised and, importantly, no disruption to the provision of patient services.

On the ground floor, the new endoscopy unit has two fully equipped procedure rooms, a treatment room, two-stage recovery facility and a patient and relative waiting area. The upper floors accommodate a day hospital and a general theatre.

Comments from the Client

Robert Elliott, Head of Estates, Carmarthenshire NHS Trust:

"The use of off-site construction allowed us to develop a fully enclosed site within the hospital complex and thereby expand our theatre facilities. No other building method could have achieved this without causing major problems to service provision.

"The implication of any construction work on the running of a hospital is a key issue. What had the potential to be a very difficult and disruptive period was completed on time, with no inconvenience at all to our patients and to the highest standards. This achievement was made possible by both the Yorkon team and the Trust's estates department who were responsible for project managing the operation. Both staff and patients are delighted with the new facilities."