NHS Repairs Contract
Axis has been employed by Riverside Housing Association to provide works at Birmingham Children’s Hospital for nearly a decade. The hospital, which is run by Birmingham Women’s and Children’s NHS Foundation Trust, is a leading specialist paediatric centre. It offers expert care to more than 90,000 children and young people from across the country.
The Victorian buildings were established in 1862 and consist of five blocks, with two grade II listed buildings. Our Midlands division has been providing a range of works since 2015. This includes an internal painting programme, works covering electrical, general and decorations for 3 non-ward blocks, and a major roof repairs project. We also provide routine repairs and maintenance around the site.
Our repairs and maintenance team have previously made improvements to corridors and doors, and provided standard refurbishments to all public areas in the hospital. We have also made improvements to nurse and doctor accommodations including kitchen replacements. Our Midlands division keeps up with day-to-day maintenance including mechanical and electrical works, plumbing and drainage repairs, decoration works, new carpets and vinyl floor coverings.
The team also carried out a major roofing project which took around 6 months to complete. Initial plans were to replace the entire roof of one block; however, this was rejected when quotes came in over budget. We found a solution by replacing individual slates, making considerable savings for the NHS Trust. Additionally, our team offered and provided guttering works alongside other minor repairs outside of our initial scope, free of charge. We recently completed a flat roofing project on one block. Our team covered one area with a weatherproof roofing system. We applied a rubberised Sarnafil membrane which rectified leaks coming through to office rooms.
Our team have to be flexible in the delivery of works due to the nature of the property. We always take into consideration the local hospital accommodations for doctors, students, and staff who have shifts and rest times. We do this by moving goods and supplies quickly and ensuring space and room for consultants.
All works were completed in full compliance, including CDM:2015, H&S Act 1974, and all relevant British Standards. All operatives, including our vetted partner-level subcontractors, undergo a stringent NHS security clearance, detailed induction, and are provided with branded uniform and ID badges, implementing sign-in/out procedures.
Project Challenges
Our teams have responded to various challenges on site. Due to the age and prestige of the building, we have to remain constantly vigilant. The team are always on the lookout for potential areas of disrepair.
Working at a 24-hour building also poses challenges. It’s of utmost importance that hospital activities remain undisturbed, so we communicate regularly with stakeholders including patients, doctors, and nurses to ensure minimal disruption. We have a great relationship with hospital staff.
Another challenge is the isolation of power. Our M&E team liaise with the hospital to make sure works do not disrupt vital hospital operations throughout the property. The team must also avoid using aerosols on-site, as well as anything that gives off fumes. Therefore, we tightly control materials used and COSHH regulations.
The central city location of the building is also a challenge. Our effective and precise planning for logistics such as the delivery of goods or the arrival of specialist equipment and vehicles has to be pinpoint to keep things running smoothly. Our dedication to quick setups, eliminating waste, strong supplier relationships, and total quality management ensures value for the client. We have a strong resource pool which is ideal and ensures that we always have contingency plans.
