Belfast City Hospital

MDE were appointed as Principal Contractor to manage the upgrade of the existing main switchboards 1 and 2, together with the replacement of the currently maintained switchboard within the basement of the Tower Block at Belfast City Hospital (BCH). The works included disconnection and removal of the existing switchboard and the installation of a new Form 4 Type 6 maintained switchboard. Additionally, modifications were required to two sub switchboards. MDE also completed the installation of the new remote generator connection units; hired mobile generators; and completed testing and commissioning on the hospital site. Precision project management contributed to the successful completion of this complex series of works. We managed timely electrical shutdowns and the switchover to four main generator backups to allow the effective and efficient delivery of this electrical upgrade, whilst allowing the hospital to continue to deliver critical patient services uninterrupted.

Challenges and Complexities

• Live, acute hospital environment Live HV/LV systems/isolations. 
• Maintaining staff, patient, and visitor safety. 
• Traffic management. 
• Restricted and shared access/facilities. 
• Hospital security. 
• Infection control. 
• No disruption to patient services.