King's College Hospital

Aiming to provide fire-stopping works across the critical care unit in preparation for the impending Covid19 pandemic, Checkmate was contracted through Capita to deliver various passive fire protection works for King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.

Scope of work

Aiming to provide fire-stopping works across the critical care unit in preparation for the impending Covid19 pandemic, Checkmate was contracted through Capita to deliver various passive fire protection works for King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.

Taking place over the space of 6 weeks, these works comprised compartmentation surveys and fire stopping to 28 service riser tops to the architects’ design/specification. Taking into account the fire strategy of the building, the prioritisation of works across the occupied buildings were set according to risk.

Programme of work

With the principal objective being to ensure increased building compliance and safety for the expected uplift in critical care patients, Checkmate carried out all works within a shortened programme period to minimise disruption to patients and staff.

the timescales and available products meant the specification was fluid and required adjustment in conjunction with the Architects to ensure completion within the timeframe.

Approach and methodology

With our day to day operations stringently managed through client progress meetings and rigorous site supervision, we successfully navigated the restrictions posed by Covid-19.

All programming and access arrangements have been completed through our own dedicated Resident Liaison Officer (RLO). Checkmate was responsible for survey, through to estimation of works and completion. Based on the speed, quality and efficacy of our project delivery, Checkmate is now the ‘go to’ contractor for the Trust.

Checkmate mobilised at short notice to undertake a package of fire-stopping works to facilitate the Trust’s emergency COVID-19 preparations. The works were completed within a tight programme to meet the Trust’s requirements. The Checkmate team worked flexibly to meet the Trust’s needs amidst a rapidly-changing operational environment. The Trust were appreciative of Checkmate’s responsiveness and efficacy throughout the works.

- KCHL

Environment challenges & risks

Working within critical care units, there are a number of key challenges including:

• Busy working corridors requiring diversion of people traffic
• Security and safety
• Fall back areas for contingency where works have to be halted for any reason
• Adjustments to programme for Covid-19
• Reduced working day, due to later start on sensitive wards and access restrictions
• Noise control
• Consideration for stakeholders in work area