The safety work
The Queen Elizabeth Hospital King’s Lynn NHS Foundation Trust has about 18 months remaining on a seven-year programme to make its estate safe, according to Construction News. The trust belongs to the Norfolk and Waveney University Hospitals Group.
The work involves installing steel and timber supports underneath concrete beams. A trust spokesperson told Construction News that the reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete, known as RAAC, would remain in place rather than be removed.
According to the trust, RAAC planks make up 79 per cent of the main hospital building’s roof and walls. Some 8,598 props have already been installed across 56 areas, including wards and offices. Supports have been holding up ceilings for several years.
Minutes of a December meeting of the Norfolk and Waveney University Hospitals Group recorded that hospital leaders had shared their experience of emptying wards to give contractors access. The lessons were passed to other hospitals requiring similar support installations. The minutes also recorded progress on the programme.
Tender timetable
The trust published its contract notice on 10 September. It describes the procurement as roof re-covering works and services, while the trust’s explanation of the safety programme sets out the use of supports beneath the existing concrete.
Bidders have until 25 September to submit enquiries. Tenders must be received by midday on 20 October. The assessment will give equal weight to price and quality, with each accounting for 50 per cent of the decision.
Replacement hospital
A replacement for the existing building is included in the national New Hospital Programme. The timing of the start of construction remains uncertain.
The December group meeting minutes said the New Hospital Programme investment committee had approved a strategic outline case. Planning for an outline business case had also started.
Skanska was appointed in July as construction partner for the new hospital build. That appointment concerns the replacement project, rather than the safety contract now being tendered.