Derriford Orthopaedic Surgical Suite

Our largest project to date, the £13.5 million Bigbury Orthopaedic Surgical Suite, is located on Level 2 of Derriford Hospital. This ambitious project transformed existing hospital kitchens into a high-tech orthopaedic surgical suite, significantly enhancing the hospital’s surgical capabilities.

Key Features

State-of-the-Art Operating Theatres: Three newly constructed suites designed for advanced orthopaedic procedures.
Recovery Facilities: Nine specially designed recovery rooms for post-operative care.
Ancillary Spaces: Includes theatre stores, offices for medical staff, and dedicated areas for staff rest and recuperation.
Advanced Technology: Equipped with a leading-edge UCV ventilation system and air source heat pumps to ensure superior air quality and energy efficiency.

Client

Sector

Value

Timescale

Location

University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust

Healthcare

£13.5M

52 Weeks

Plymouth

Our Approach

The transformation required precise coordination and innovative construction management techniques, especially as the suite was located in one of the hospital’s busiest sections that remained operational throughout the project.

Phases of Development

Preparation and Design: Careful adaptation of initial plans to meet the evolving needs and maintain hospital operations.
Construction Management: Strategic scheduling and management of construction activities to minimize disruptions.
Advanced System Installations: Implementation of sophisticated mechanical and electrical systems in a live hospital environment.

Challenges and Solutions

The project posed considerable challenges, primarily due to the need to maintain uninterrupted hospital operations during construction.

Innovative Solutions and Techniques:

Minimised Disruption: Employed specialized construction techniques to ensure ongoing hospital activities were unaffected.
High-Stakes Environment: Managed logistical complexities in a high-traffic area, reinforcing our commitment to safety and efficiency.

Community Impact

This project has profoundly impacted the hospital’s service capacity and community healthcare provision.

Increased Surgical Capacity: The new suite allows for a greater number of orthopaedic surgeries, significantly reducing waiting times and improving patient care.
Optimised Environmental Conditions: High-efficiency systems such as the UCV and air source heat pumps ensure optimal clinical conditions, enhancing patient recovery and staff comfort.
Seamless Integration: Despite the extensive scope, the project was completed without interrupting hospital services, showcasing our ability to handle complex challenges in sensitive settings.

Mr. Rathan Yarlagadda, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon and Clinical Lead for Elective Orthopaedic Recovery

“The introduction of the Bigbury Orthopaedic Surgical Suite has greatly enhanced our capacity for orthopaedic surgery, including hip and knee replacements. This state-of-the-art surgical unit, combined with our improved patient pathways, will allow us to perform a higher volume of procedures each day, thereby reducing waiting times and significantly improving access to essential orthopaedic care for our patients.”