Low carbon approach for clinical building

Steeped in history and possibly one of the most recognised hospitals in the country, if not the world, Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) became the first dedicated children’s hospital when it opened its doors in 1852. At that time, the hospital had only 10 beds, and its capability to treat children from across the country’s capital was limited. Despite tough financial pressures and two world wars, the hospital slowly expanded to what stands today as one of the world’s most advanced children’s care facilities, and is currently undergoing a massive redevelopment, which is set to last until 2016. As part of this, independent building services specialist, NG Bailey, is employing the latest technology and installation techniques to, as it puts it, “provide state-of-the-art facilities to one of London’s soon-to-be greenest buildings”.

Putting plans into action

GOSH’s redevelopment is taking place in order to maintain and advance its position as one of the world’s leading centres for paediatric care and research. Many of its inpatient wards are currently housed in buildings from the 1930s, which are increasingly unsuitable for the treatment of seriously ill children. Struggling with buildings that were nearing the end of their useful lives, GOSH set in motion plans to redevelop the site to allow for advances in technology, and treatments to help in the care of sick children. Split into four phases, the redevelopment plans for the site are extensive, and should provide GOSH with the resources to treat more children. Phase one, which was completed in 2006 at a cost of £88 million, saw the opening of new clinical facilities, a patient and family hotel, and improved outpatient facilities for services within the neighbouring Royal London Hospital for Integrated Medicine. The hospital invested in modern facilities and high- tech services, making it possible to provide the best treatment and care for more children in spacious, comfortable surroundings.