PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The project comprised of:-

Demolition of existing MF ceilings.

Re-configuration of ceiling mounted services.

Re-configuration of high-level services e.g. electrical, mechanical and ventilation.

Asbestos removal.

Install new timber structural supports.

Carpentry finishing works.

Making-good / plastering.

Decorations.

Installation of suspended ceilings or bulkheads.

The hospital was built with reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete planks which form the original roof and some walls which make up about two thirds of the hospitals current buildings structure which were the subject of a safety alert in 2019. The reinforcement works, which are temporary, would cost £8.1 million in 2022-2023 and around £10 million in subsequent years. The reason for these reinforcement works is because the building’s structure has exceeded its 30-year design life expectancy and has begun to deteriorate overtime due to things like water ingress, temperature changes and excess weight from services on the roof. 

The national requirement is to remove RAAC Planks by 2030 and is one of the primary reasons why a new Frimley Park Hospital is needed however, until this happens the Trust have the responsibility to demonstrate the actions in place to maintain safety, and provide assurance to the staff, patients and visitors.

The current programme of works is to focus on maintaining the safety of the existing structure, as advised by The Building Research Establishment (BRE) and the Standing Committee on Structural Safety (SCOSS) following there issued reports which advise on the actions to be taken in order to address the risk of a collapse of part of a building, or less drastic failures of the structure (such as delamination- where a thin layer of concrete comes away from the main part of the plank) and without remedial action, there is clearly a safety risk in a hospital which provides a 24/7 service where patients, visitors and staff are present.