With extensive experience across the medical sector, electrical works at the new Radiation Oncology Centre at Cork University Hospital were in safe hands with Winthrop Engineering Limited. The company was responsible for the entire electrical package, a substantial job that included the supply and installation of lighting, emergency lighting, theatre control panels, surgical and examination lights and deadhead trunking. The package of works also included nurse call systems, gas detection systems and fire alarm. Coming in at over e4.5million, this was a significant project and one that demanded rigorous attention to detail and close monitoring by the Winthrop team at all times.
Tight programme constraints at the new building required a different approach from Winthrop Engineering. “We decided to go with a modular wiring system to suit the specific needs of the new building. This was the first time this particular system had been used on the CUH campus and indeed the first time it had been installed in an Irish hospital. Programme constraints were fairly tight for this project; it’s a 9,000 sq m hospital with 350 rooms. Given these constraints, the modular system which is a plug and play or prefabricated system was ideal,” said Padraig O’Mahony, Contracts Manager at Winthrop Engineering. The modular system allowed for speedier installation on-site.
“Our sister company in Dublin had used it in the past but this was the first time that Winthrop Engineering had used it. Due to the current shortage of labour, we’ll be using it for several jobs going forward. Anything that decreases the number of workers required on site or that can be fabricated offsite is preferable at the moment. We’re taking the same approach on the mechanical side and trying to fabricate as much off-site as possible. It’s obviously more efficient and it’s a necessary step when you consider the lack of skilled workers available in the industry at the moment,” said Padraig.
Quality, durable products were installed by Winthrop Engineering on this project. “We have a long-standing excellent relationship with CUH; for nearly a decade we’ve worked on various electrical and mechanical projects at the hospital so we were keen to use only the most reputable products and equipment. We’re very familiar with their requirements and so with every project we undertake at CUH, we want to meet and indeed exceed those requirements.”
Padraig and the team at Winthrop Engineering had to adapt their normal working methods to suit the hospital environment they were operating in.
“We were lucky in that the new unit is a stand-alone building and isn’t attached to the existing hospital but at the same time, we had to be mindful that we were surrounded by vulnerable patients. Some of the cancer treatment areas were in adjacent buildings to us so we had to be very careful about potential Aspergillus. Any dust or dirt that was raised had to be monitored.”
Limiting the amount of dirt that was spread to other areas of the hospital required constant monitoring. It required a lot of planning and method statements and liaising with the hospital to ensure everything was thoroughly considered before any of the works were undertaken on site.”
Winthrop Engineering has worked with BAM Ireland on several other projects in the past. That relationship also helped ensure a smooth, trouble-free installation period.
“For us, the programme was the main challenge. CUH needed to commence equipment fitout in the building in March 2019, so we were under pressure to meet our strict timeline. Specialist treatment equipment also had to be delivered from the UK so there was additional pressure to finish on time.”
Previous experience in the healthcare sector and a commitment to delivering the highest quality service ensured a happy client in CUH and another worthy addition to Winthrop’s portfolio.
“The new Radiation Oncology Centre at CUH was a complex job but we managed to deliver it to the clients’ satisfaction. A large amount of our work is repeat business with existing clients so we always strive to do the best possible job. We look forward to working with CUH on more project in the future.”
Winthrop Engineering Ltd, 4H Six Cross Roads Business Park, Kilbarry, Waterford.
T: +353 (0)51 594 000
E: info@waterford.winthrop.ie
W: www.winthrop.ie
The new Radiation Oncology building at CUH has the potential to transform the facility into the leading cancer hospital in the country. An impressive building, the 8,800m2 three storey unit accommodates seven radiotherapy treatment rooms along with outpatient clinics and day-care facilities on the ground floor. The first floor consists of two CT simulators, treatment planning, DXT suite, radiation physics and other treatment rooms while the second floor holds the clinical trials department and administration offices. Technically, the new building posed several complex challenges to the teams involved, particularly in light of the extremely tight deadline, but one company’s contribution went some way towards simplifying the process.
Entirely bespoke and unique to the new building at Cork University Hospital, Core’s modular wiring system provided the flexibility that was needed for such a tight programme. The system was used for power to the general services and lighting at the new building. The ‘plug and play’ capabilities of the system offered Winthrop Engineering a number of significant benefits; speed of installation allowed all teams on site to reach their tight timeline while fabricating it off-site meant minimal disruption during installation.
Core’s modular wiring system was the ideal choice for the new Radiation Oncology Unit at CUH. Construction professionals working in a live healthcare setting need to be mindful of the sensitive environment they’re operating in. Dust and dirt is a major issue and anything that minimises activity on site, while allowing for greater flexibility, is to be welcomed. The structured wiring system created by Core Solutions uses high-quality Wieland Electric pre-fabricated and pre-tested plug and socket systems, manufactured off-site so that on-site connection is a simple matter of plugging in the male to the female connector. “Using ‘plug and play’ structured wiring also introduces a high level of flexibility so that luminaires can be reconfigured as and when required; the design of the system allows complete flexibility as future layout changes can be accommodated quickly and with minimum downtime,” said John McDonagh, Core Solutions Director.
Structured wiring also saves on wastage as the components are re-usable. Sustainability was a key factor with the new building so Core’s system was the ideal choice when it came to zero wastage on site. “The configuration of the plugs also means there is no chance of the wrong connections being made. The system uses a minimum number of components, all of which arrive on site pre-tested and pre-fabricated and simply lock together for the secure installation of lighting and power distribution,” said John.
Core’s system represents a new, smarter generation of wiring that helps deliver even greater savings on costs and installation time. Achieving cost reductions, spending less time on site and ensuring flexibility for the future challenges which this industry faces in both new-builds and refurbishment projects is central to the system and the reason why it’s increasingly being specified for projects across a range of different sectors.
Core has worked with Winthrop Engineering on several projects in the past, including The Reflector Dublin in Grand Canal Dock. That existing relationship helped ensure a seamless process at CUH. Just in time delivery was also a key feature; Core ensured that the specialised system was delivered to site when it was needed, thus avoiding any delays to the build.
“With pre-fabricated systems, there’s a significant amount of pre- planning before going to site. That intense planning allows for speed of installation, which was extremely important on this project and something that Winthrop Engineering was particularly appreciative of, considering the programme constraints,” said John.
Customers also benefit from a streamlined distribution, proficient technical expertise and excellent customer service. As with the new building at Cork University Hospital, Core offers a complete package which is tailored to suit the individual needs of a project. Creating future-proofed electrical installations that fit modern environments is the company’s primary aim, while assuring reduced costs and best practice procedures.
19 Goldenbridge Industrial Estate, Tyrconnell Road, Inchicore, Dublin 8 D08 FN77
T: 00353 (0)1 453 7033
E: info@coreelectrical.ie
W: www.coreelectrical.com
Ahigh end project such as the Radiation Oncology unit at Cork University Hospital required products and equipment of only the highest grade. One of Ireland’s leading electrical wholesalers, Kellihers Electrical, ensured that the lighting products it supplied met this criteria.
Fosnova Jet 140 – IP65 downlighters were supplied by Kellihers Electrical to the new building. Painted in RAL 7011, this product was specified for its durability and suitability to a healthcare environment.
The rated lifetime of the fitting is based on 50,000 hours and is a very impressive L80B20. It features anti-glare aluminium to optimise light efficiency and is equipped with galvanised steel support brackets, with housing for springs for attachment to the false ceilings. The light is also manufactured in accordance with standards EN60598 – CEI 34 –21.
Kellihers Electrical also supplied 650 of its own-brand Rexel 600 x 600 LED panels. This versatile product is suitable for a wide range of applications such as offices, shops, reception areas, restaurants, hotels schools and hospitals. It’s also the perfect LED replacement for 4x18W T8 lay-in modular fittings and is available in two versions plus a five year warranty.
Kellihers own brand panel is also registered on the Triple E Register and this has been confirmed by the SEAI. As a result it can now be used as part of the ACA grant scheme. Kellihers Rexel LED panel fits into standard sizes of ceiling grids. It is up to five times more powerful than a standard fluorescent lamp, while the driver come with male and female loop in/out connectors for fast fix installation.
For this project, Kellihers Electrical also carried out lighting designs to prove its fittings achieved certain light levels. The company’s three lighting designers used Dialux for this element of the project. Kellihers Electrical is the first port of call for electrical contractors looking to source premium, high quality products for projects across a range of sectors. The wholesaler’s commitment to customer service ensures contractors aren’t left waiting for deliveries. Kellihers comprehensive stock profile, reliable delivery, competitive pricing and knowledgeable staff are just some of the reasons its customers come back again and again. Quality products come first and that’s why the company only deals with industry leading brands including Schneider and Dimplex. Furthermore, having lighting agencies such as LUG, NVC, OMS and Disano/Fosnova cements its position as Ireland’s leading electrical wholesaler.
The light fittings supplied to Cork University Hospital further highlight the company’s commitment to quality.
“We were delighted to be involved with this prestigious and important project. Providing consistently high levels of customer service is important to us as a group and that’s why we’re the number one choice for electrical industry professionals all over Ireland,” said Paul Scannell, Lighting Sales Manager at Kellihers Electrical.
Kellihers Electrical, Ballymullen, Tralee, Co. Kerry
T: 00353 (0)66 714 5300
E: web@rexel.ie
W: www.kellihers.com
Established in 2000, ASA Security has built a reputable name for itself as a provider of high performance security solutions to the private, commercial and industrial sectors. The company works across several areas including CCTV, site-watch CCTV, door automation, access control, intruder alarm, automatic gates, traffic control barriers and pay parking.
For the new Radiation Oncology building at CUH, ASA Security provided a number of different management and security services including CCTV, access control, medical intercom, automatic swing door, intruder alarm and door monitoring system. The CCTV system provides for the day to day management of the CUH operations in and around the new building for managing traffic and people accessing the site.
The CCTV has both fixed and pan/tilt/zoom high definition cameras which help in the monitoring of movement of people and vehicles in the area. The Medical CCTV integrates from the control room to the treatment room oncology scanners to provide the operators with high definition imaging of patients and the treatment area. Patient interfacing is its primary function, providing video communication between the control room and the treatment area.
ASA Security also installed the medical intercom at the new building. This provides for two way voice communication from the control room to the treatment room and vice versa. Patient interfacing over audio is its primary function and when used with the medical CCTV, makes the whole patient experience seamless and efficient.
The Access Control System, also installed by ASA Security, restricts the movement of people in restricted areas, the locking aspect included for architecturally designed locking for single swing doors as well as double action mortise locking for corridor doors.
The Automatic Swing Door System was designed to provide ease of access through doors for patients on beds or in wheelchairs. An electro-mechanical silent system, it incorporates double action door technology for automating double action doors while maintaining the escape route in both directions.
Finally, the intruder alarm and door monitoring system was designed to protect the building and escape doors from misuse and was integrated to the CCTV for verification purposes, in the event of an alarm condition.
ASA Security’s experienced team completed the security management requirements at the new Radiation Oncology unit to the highest standards.
ASA Security, Unit 2, City Link Business Park, Forge Hill, Cork
T: 00353 (0)21 4627338
E: info@asa.ie
W: www.asa.ie
SKIDATA Ireland Ltd was responsible for the relocation of automatic car access system at Cork University Hospital. The company’s experienced and technically proficient team ensured the job was completed to the highest standard.
SKIDATA Ireland has previously worked at Cork University Hospital. In 2007, the company installed a range of equipment at the healthcare facility including entry and exit columns, automatic pay stations, manual cashier stations and both exit and entry staff Lanes. This familiarity with the campus and indeed the client helped ensure the company’s most recent job at the hospital was a smooth, stress- free process.
As one of the world’s leading providers of access solutions and visitor management, SKIDATA offers turnkey solutions for car access and visitor management, system controlling, monitoring and maintenance, cost control, administration and services.
The company’s products are used across a range of sectors including stadiums, convention centres, hospitals, arenas, amusement parks, shopping centres, airports and museums.
Flawless customer service underpins business at the company which was founded in 1977 in Austria. Over 1,450 people are employed at SKIDATA worldwide, while more than 10,000 installation have been carried out by the company across the globe since its establishment.
SKIDATA Ireland Ltd, Unit 21b Enterprise Road, Bangor, Co Down, BT19 7TA.
T: 00353 (0)1 5060740
W: www.skidata.ie
