Antrim Area Hospital, NeoNatal Unit – Antrim

Delap & Waller were appointed under the Works Framework to refurbish and extend the existing Neo-Natal Unit with RPP Architects.  The existing unit did not achieve adequate spatial or services provision for cots and the brief was to extend the overall accommodation to a total of 17 cots by adding an extension at first floor level.

The works included the introduction of a new system of Isolated Power Supplies and Un-Interruptible Power Supplies (IPS/UPS) throughout the refurbished and extended areas to comply with guidance contained in recent Health Technical Memoranda. New heating and comfort cooling plant is provided for the extension, with the controls on the existing systems also having been upgraded. Medical gases comprise duplicate systems with outlets integrated into service pillars serving each cot.

Both the water supply and the ventilation system were subjected to rigorous testing to ensure there was no microbiological contamination upon completion of the works

Due to the complexity of the proposed works and the need to retain a core ‘critical care’ service, it was decided to decant the existing cots and the contract included alterations within the hospital to accommodate this.

Services work includes the following electrical Services

• General and Emergency Lighting
• Mains Power distribution
• Fire Detection and Alarm system
• Medical Services Panels and Trunking
• Nurse Call System
• Security System
• Data Services

The following Mechanical Services were installed:

• Heating & Cooling
• Ventilation with Heat Recovery
• Building Management Controls
• Sanitary services and fittings
• Medical Gases