NDHB Whangarei Hospital Endoscopy Suite

The Endoscopy Suite Expansion was undertaken as a fast-track project to completely demolish an existing maternity suite and rebuild a new facility in its place. The project involved the addition of two new procedure rooms complete with medical pendants, as well as the upgrading and installation of new services throughout the ward.

The project began with the removal and encapsulation of asbestos. This was followed by demolition of the old suite, including all services. The challenging and comprehensive fire rating and seismic elements of the project were critical to producing a safe workspace. A great deal of time and effort went into ensuring these elements were brought up to code on a building of considerable age.

Construction included new procedure rooms, consult rooms, two stage recovery areas, typical clean and dirty utility rooms and a host of storage areas.  In addition, new office space, facilities for staff and patients meant all new services were needed to meet the updated requirements for the Endoscopy department.

The programme for delivery was critical, not only to suit the hospital’s clinical testing and equipment installation but also to meet the needs of patients scheduled for procedures.

Construction took place within a busy hospital, which continued to operate throughout. The unit is adjacent to the busy medical wing and above the Outpatients department, which was impacted by both drainage and Asbestos removal. This was carefully scheduled in phases so as to keep clinical services open during construction. Argon’s experience in minimising the impact on patients and staff was extremely important.

Extensive programming and site management was required to safely manage site access and ensure that noise and dust did not impact on hospital operations. The project was completed to a high standard, on time and to budget.

Location: Whangarei
Client: Northland District Health Board