Memorial Hospital in Woolwich, south-east London, operated by Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust, required a critical roof refurbishment to extend the lifespan of its facilities, enhance thermal efficiency, and align with the Trust's Green Plan commitment to achieving Net Zero carbon emissions by 2040.
The existing roof had reached the end of its serviceable life, posing risks of water ingress, increased energy costs, and ongoing maintenance challenges. Integrated design, property, and construction consultant, Pellings, oversaw the project. Following Garland UK’s detailed roof condition survey, the Garland team was appointed to deliver a robust, high-performance waterproofing solution that could be installed with minimal disruption to the hospital’s operations while actively contributing to the Trust's decarbonisation goals.
Navigating live site challenges
Garland UK said: “Hospitals present unique challenges when undertaking remedial works, requiring precise planning and execution to avoid disrupting essential medical services. Memorial Hospital was no exception, but remained fully operational throughout the roof refurbishment project – requiring every aspect to be meticulously coordinated to prevent disruption to patients, staff, and critical healthcare functions.”
Logistical constraints, including restricted access points and uninterrupted emergency routes, required strategic coordination for material deliveries and contractor movement. Fire safety was also paramount, necessitating full compliance with Safe2Torch standards to eliminate risks associated with hot works.
Additionally, the existing insulation was outdated, and failed to meet modern building regulations. An upgrade was essential to comply with current standards, enhance the building’s thermal efficiency, reduce heating costs and overall energy consumption, and support the Trust’s Green Plan objectives.
High-performance, sustainable solution
Garland UK Technical manager, Jack Costello, specified the StressPly Flex Plus bituminous waterproofing system, ensuring a durable, safe, high-performance solution tailored to a live hospital environment. The refurbishment, undertaken by approved contractor, Inspire Contract Services, included a tapered insulation scheme designed to improve drainage and significantly enhance thermal efficiency, reducing long-term heating costs.
In high-risk areas, self-adhesive membranes were used to ensure full compliance with Safe2Torch guidelines, eliminating the need for open flames in sensitive zones. Rooflights were upgraded to improve natural light and energy efficiency, with installations scheduled during non-peak hours to minimise disruption to hospital activities. A fully scaffolded independent working platform and internal crash deck were implemented, allowing safe and efficient access for contractors, while ensuring the hospital’s daily operations remained unaffected.
Strict quality assurance measures were followed throughout, with twice-weekly inspections, and real-time documentation via Garland UK’s RAMP system to maintain regulatory compliance and project oversight.
Measurable results and long-term benefits
The hospital roof refurbishment was completed on time and within budget, delivering a significantly upgraded, high-performance roofing system that will ensure the hospital remains watertight and energy-efficient ‘for decades to come’. The roof now achieves a U-value of 0.15, with insulation improvements already enhancing thermal efficiency and comfort for patients and staff, directly supporting the Trust’s Green Plan to reduce carbon emissions.
Through expert planning, technical precision, and stringent quality control, Garland UK has delivered a seamless, future-proof solution that safeguards the hospital’s essential services while ensuring uninterrupted patient care. Backed by Garland UK’s 25 year Single-Point Guarantee, the Trust has the confidence that its critical infrastructure is protected with long-term reliability.
Garland UK said: “This project stands as a benchmark for NHS estates seeking to future-proof their facilities with sustainable, energy-efficient roofing solutions, while maintaining full operational capacity. To explore how your healthcare estate can achieve similar results, contact Garland UK today, and take the next step toward long-term resilience and sustainability.”
