NHS Nightingale Exeter - Fast Track Solutions

This project involved the complete transformation of an old Homebase building into NHS Nightingale Exeter, a new hospital for The Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust.

Background

The new Nightingale Exeter Hospital facility was designed for treating Covid-19 patients but with the flexibility to be utilised for other functions while coronavirus cases remain low (including a diagnostics centre for use by patients with a range of conditions).

The project required multiple teams to work together as one, to transform the old DIY store into a new 116 bed hospital with near theatre-standard performance, complete with scanners in just 57 days! At the peak, there were over 460 people working whilst social distancing on site to complete this mission.

Collaboration was not just required on-site but right through the supply chain to ensure these works were completed in such a short period.

Kernow Fixings’ Involvement & Support

Kernow were very privileged to have been chosen as the Supplier of Choice for the Mechanical and Electrical Subcontractors. We arranged the complete supply of all fixings and brackets as well as tools and site equipment.

Our off-site fabrication solutions would also play a vital part in supporting the contractors. We worked closely with them to provide quick, added value solutions. This included building and supplying bespoke, prefabricated support brackets which helped speed up installation times on-site.

Due to our location and proximity to the Exeter Nightingale site, Kernow were also able to offer deliveries seven days a week with our own vehicles and drivers. On many occasions, we delivered the same day when required. Using our own delivery service meant we had full control of orders and deliveries from the very beginning until they were safely delivered on-site.

Challenges

Timescale was undoubtedly the biggest challenge for all involved in the project and we certainly had team members going the extra mile. As a supplier with flexibility, Kernow were able to fully support the mechanical and electrical contractors operating under pressure to achieve the deadline. This was a combination of prefabricated solutions, seamless and rapid supply, deliveries when needed and incredible teamwork!

With the project completed on time, our M&E partners applauded Kernow’s support and performance. They were delighted that we were able to speed up installation through off-site fabrication, a dependable delivery service and a team who go above and beyond to make it happen when something out of the ordinary is required!!

It’s certainly a project to remember and we’re very proud to have been involved with the NHS Nightingale Exeter, supporting the fight against Covid-19.