A new modular building at Hull Royal Infirmary that provides modern hospital facilities for up to 90,000 patients annually has been delivered by Portakabin.
Portakabin was appointed design and build contractor by Hull and East Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust to construct a 3,000 m2 permanent outpatient and training facility as part of a £7million investment. The complex three-storey building, manufactured, fitted out, and handed over, after just seven months on site – “despite exceptional winter working conditions” – to help the Trust meet increased demand, combines 50 specially manufactured steel-framed modules with 50 units from another modular building on the site that had become surplus to requirements. Portakabin “recycled” and fully refurbished the structure of a two- storey ward block, including stripping out each module and installing new windows, upgrading the floor structure, and relining internal walls. Reducing the programme time helped to minimise disruption to patient services – which was key, because of the close proximity to the main hospital. The 200-room facility accommodates the ophthalmology department on the ground floor, and dermatology services on the first, allowing the Trust to consolidate services on one site and increase capacity. A new upper floor Clinical Skills Centre provides high quality education and training facilities, including a simulated ward, critical care unit, and theatre suite.
