The c.3,500m2 new build development consists of a purpose-built Acute Mental Health Unit.
The scope of works involved a two-storey facility with the following services: a mechanical plant area; car parking for staff and patients; ambulance drop-off point; passenger lift; electrical HV and LV switch rooms; refurbishment of existing link corridors; admin area; and the site is bounded by a helipad.
Further requirements included: backbone containment; lightning protection; general, external and emergency lighting; mechanical services; UPS/IPS and systems installations including fire/critical alarms, access control/intruder system and staff attack systems.
MDE continuously strive to exceed end-user expectations and have vast experience in completing complex and challenging electrical installations to the highest standards in these bespoke healthcare environments.
Merlin Park Hospital in Galway provides a comprehensive range of services to emergency and elective patients on an inpatient, outpatient and day care basis.
MDE were appointed as an electrical contractor to upgrade the existing addressable Fire Detection Alarm System (FDAS) and Install a Fully Intelligent Emergency Lighting System at Merlin Park Hospital, Galway.
This required a full rewire, including modifications and additions in a closed steel containment system. The MDE Team retained all existing equipment where possible, providing a new emergency lighting installation and exit signposting to an environmentally friendly system using LED technology. This was a fully intelligent, addressable system with emergency lighting control panels installed throughout the hospital.
The MDE Team demonstrated the ability to work in a complex, live, fully operational, and acute hospital environment whilst improving the life safety systems. Our work did not disrupt daily hospital procedures or services.
HSE appointed the MDE Team as their leading contractor on the new ambulance station on the grounds of St Davnet’s hospital in County Monaghan.
Our contribution as part of an entire design and construction team exceeded our client’s expectations and together we completed this state-of-the-art ambulance station on time and on budget.
The building comprised offices, training rooms, and changing/locker rooms, as well as recreation rooms, staff rooms, and garage. The facility also has ancillary accommodation for ambulances and vehicles.
Craigavon Area Hospital, St Luke’s Hospital, Armagh and South Tyrone Hospital in Dungannon provide a wide range of acute inpatient services and outpatient services in the mid-Ulster area of Northern Ireland.
MDE were selected as Principal Contractor to undertake works at each hospital. This required supply, delivery, testing, and commissioning of a new centralised critical alarm system alongside the modification of existing fire/intruder alarm systems, hospital telephone systems, and new telephone equipment. The works also included the installation of a new maternity lift.
We were also responsible for alterations to medical gas control systems, and disabled refuge call alarms, M&E installation services, and all minor building works associated with the refurbishment of reception areas at Craigavon Area Hospital, St Luke’s and South Tyrone Hospital.
We worked in collaboration with all hospital personnel in each location to successfully complete these projects concurrently within all three facilities.
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.
MDE were awarded this complex critical care upgrade project at Altnagelvin Area Hospital by WHSCT due to our expert skills and knowledge and our proven ability to complete works of this complexity in a live hospital environment.
This work was completed within plant room No. 6 (serving theatres 6/7) and in the roof space above theatre 5.
The works comprised of the supply and installation of IPS/UPS equipment, together with batteries, additional cabling/circuits, and connection to the relevant theatre.
Installation within the plant room required modification to the existing mechanical plant within a very heavily serviced location. All works were undertaken outside normal working hours due to the works being carried out over existing theatre ceilings. Testing, commissioning and new control panels were also completed.
This contract was completed within a restricted timeframe, with no disruption caused to either the hospital staff or patients. The project was handed over defect-free at completion to the Western Health and Social Care Trust.
Navan Hospital provides a general acute hospital service to the local HSE catchment area. The main two-storey building is a detached seventeen-bay former workhouse, built-in 1840.
MDE successfully completed the full energy efficiency upgrade works. This very rewarding and challenging assignment combined the demands of updating and refurbishing to current standards with achieving energy efficiency in a complex heritage building.
During the project, we were within a live hospital working environment with infection control requirements. As Principal Contractor we were able to demonstrate our skills and expertise in working in a heritage building environment with all the technical challenges that that presents.
The Health and Safety Executive appointed MDE to carry out minor building alterations, fire safety works, and electrical installation in their premises in Cavan/Monaghan and Louth/Meath.
This extensive work included an upgrade of the P4 emergency lighting to IS3217:2009 standards. We were also tasked to upgrade the existing Hochiki FIREscap which addresses fire detection and alarm systems to L1 to I.S 3218:2008 coverage standards.
We also installed ‘free‐swing’ self -closing devices activated by the fire detection system with a suitably located test button. Fire-rated doorsets were used to replace existing non-rated or damaged doors, and we carried out fireproofing and fire painting as well as other minor refurbishment work.
The remainder of the works required the general upgrade of an existing fire rated doorsets comprising the replacement of existing intumescent strips with combined cold smoke and intumescent strips, replacement of hinges, and the provision of attic cavity barriers.
We completed the contract and in doing so met all the strict requirements of the HSE and local authorities. Working in a live healthcare environment can be a challenge but we have developed considerable expertise and experience in planning and scheduling work to minimise disruption for our clients and the patients they serve.
