Procure Partnerships Framework Contractor Partners Speller Metcalfe recently completed two standalone ophthalmology diagnostic centres in Taunton and Yeovil on behalf of Somerset NHS Foundation Trust.
This healthcare project was secured via the Procure Partnerships South West Framework with Speller Metcalfe appointed under a Direct Award call-off procedure.
Somerset is the sixth largest county in England but is also one of the most rural. Therefore, the ophthalmology diagnostic centres needed to be sited in properties with adequate public transport links and car parking, as well as accessibility for patient transport services and drop off. The Ophthalmology Hub in Taunton was converted from an existing two-story office building, whereas the Ophthalmology Hub in Yeovil was created from an existing retail building, formerly Monsoon.
Works at both sites included strip out, new M&E services, partitions, suspended ceiling grids, IPS, vinyl floors, staff kitchen, door sets, decorations, fixtures, and fittings. Taunton included external works in the form of a new access path whilst Yeovil required a new manhole and drainage connection within the basement of the existing building. Yeovil also includes the installation of new automated entrance doors and decorations to the unit frontage which is accessed directly off the High Street.
Over the course of the project, the Speller Metcalfe team has encountered several logistical challenges such as restricted access points, a live retail environment, manual transport of goods up the stairs to the site, and sharing loading docks with neighbouring businesses. Despite this the smooth operation of the scheme has been top priority throughout. The Team have regularly worked after hours, prioritising the careful coordination of deliveries and encouraging open communication with neighbouring businesses across the two locations.
Mark Eaton, Divisional Director, Speller Metcalfe, commented: “Speller Metcalfe has a long-standing history of successful NHS projects, and we are delighted to have worked with the Trust to deliver on their promise of a ‘one-stop-shop’ for ophthalmology patients in Somerset.
Both schemes have been challenging due to their quick turnaround in busy, public-facing locations, and it is credit to the project team who have worked exceptionally hard to get each site ready for its new patients – many of whom will not have been able to access these services previously.”
Lauren Banks, Key Account Manager, Procure Partnerships Framework, Commented: “The project’s timeline was challenging but Speller Metcalfe and Archus have worked collaboratively with the design team and demonstrated their Healthcare expertise in making the project work. The collaboration between all parties and the Foundation Trust has been fantastic and we’re delighted to be a part of that.
The Ophthalmology Diagnostics Hubs will allow Somerset NHS to deliver first class Retinal and Glaucoma Ophthalmology Diagnostic Centres to the communities in Taunton and Yeovil. Well done to Speller Metcalfe and all involved, it’s great to see the progress Speller Metcalfe has made throughout a challenging scheme!”
*Photo Credit: Archus
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Faye Dolan, an esteemed professional and Framework Director at Procure Partnerships, boasts a rich and diverse career spanning seven years in the construction industry. Faye’s journey within Procure Partnerships began in 2018 as a Key Account Manager, initially overseeing the North West region and later extending her purview to the entire North.
