Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has opened an extended histopathology laboratory at the Royal Victoria Hospital as part of a five-year plan to improve facilities for staff and care for patients.
To deliver on the commitment to create resilient environments, while reducing its carbon footprint and saving energy, the new facility is ventilated using grilles and diffusers from air movement specialist, and Blackpool manufacturer, Gilberts.
A combination of Gilberts’ MN multi-nozzle diffusers, DG square-faced louvres, and GHV double deflection grilles delivers the high air flow required for the space. PGR perforated face diffusers provide air extract to efficiently remove used air and airborne contaminants. Gilberts’ Ductgard dampers provide fire and smoke protection. All are linked to a central control panel, also supplied by Gilberts. The modern-styled grilles and diffusers combine to provide the high volumes of entrained air critical for such a sensitive environment, to safeguard staff who are diagnosing and studying diseased tissue.
Building services consultant, Beech Jackson Partnership, specified the ventilation components for installation by M&E contractor, James Mercer Group. Paul Beech, director at Beech Jackson Partnership, said: “Gilberts is a preferred supplier; we can consistently rely on the personal touch, quality of product, service, and the care the company brings. It was an added benefit on this particular project that Gilberts is also local, allowing us to further support the local economy.”
The histopathology laboratory extension at Royal Victoria Hospital builds on Gilberts’ proven track record in healthcare air movement, which includes Rutherford Diagnostics Centres, HCA Healthcare, and Papworth Hospital. Founded some six decades ago, today family-owned Gilberts’ 95,000 ft2 head office and manufacturing facility includes its own R&D and test facilities, enabling it to continue to evolve its product range and develop bespoke solutions for specific client requirements.
