Norfolk Community Health and Care NHS Trust

The Challenge

Norfolk Community Health and Care Centre faced a critical situation after an internal compartmentation survey identified a significant number of non-compliance areas, including compartmentation breaches and non-fire-rated loft hatches. The presented report necessitated a swift response to remedy these issues and maintain the integrity of the hospital's fire compartmentation strategy. The project's execution was further complicated by the COVID-19 pandemic and the need to complete improvements during the hospital's busiest winter peak time, demanding an extremely tight schedule and minimal disruption to crucial healthcare services.

The Solution

Ventro responded quickly and efficiently, with a consultant collaborating closely with the Norfolk NHS project team to create a cost-effective programme of works. Recognizing the immense pressures on hospitals, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic and winter peak, Ventro prioritized their needs to ensure no closures or downtime.

Ventro ensured that all staff working on the Norfolk NHS site had received their Covid vaccinations and completed regular Covid tests throughout the duration of the project, adhering strictly to all preventative measures. Ventro worked swiftly and collaboratively with the trust to ensure the work was completed on-time and with minimal disruption, even during their busiest period. All fire stopping was meticulously labelled and given individual details to demonstrate the work performed, with ‘before and after’ photos attached for further detail. This information was transferred digitally to enable storage in line with the Golden Thread of building information.

The Results

Ventro's responsive and collaborative approach yielded significant positive outcomes for Norfolk Community Health and Care NHS Trust:

• Rectified Non-Compliance: A large number of identified compartmentation breaches and non-fire-rated loft hatches were successfully remedied, ensuring the integrity of the hospital's fire compartmentation strategy and improving overall fire safety.

• Cost-Effective and Timely Completion: Ventro delivered a cost-effective programme of works that was completed on-time despite the challenging constraints of the COVID-19 pandemic and winter peak pressures.

• Minimal Disruption to Operations: Through swift and collaborative work, Ventro ensured minimal disruption to essential hospital services, allowing the centre to maintain operations without suffering any closures or downtime.

• Enhanced Patient Safety: Ventro's stringent adherence to Covid-19 safety measures and staff vaccination protocols ensured the safety of both patients and staff throughout the project duration.

• Robust Digital Documentation: All fire stopping works were meticulously documented with individual details and "before and after" photos, digitally transferred to align with the Golden Thread, providing Norfolk NHS with comprehensive and easily accessible compliance records.

• High Client Satisfaction: The project's success and Ventro's performance were reflected in 100% customer satisfaction.