Overview

C W Fields & Son were proud suppliers of over 900 bespoke doorset assemblies of various performance requirements, wall lining panelling and bespoke joinery across 12 floors of the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast.

The specialist design brief incorporated multiple performance and design considerations, which required the full breadth of our experience and understanding of the healthcare sector to find suitable solutions.

The full scope of the doorsets supplied catered for performance characteristics including fire resistance, smoke protection, radiation shielding, emergency access, antibacterial properties and privacy.

Service

Through our early engagement with the lead architect, healthcare estates and the main contractor we were able to support with the initial design phase, flagging up any potential problems that may occur on installation or in use.

It was from specification onwards, our team attended regular meetings, which initially involved support with design elements and later, on placement of order, progressed to operational and program requirements such as RFI closure, supply method and delivery phasing.

Our site surveying team conducted surveys throughout the 12 floors of the building, recording the level of detail required to manufacture the specialist products. This approach was vital with regards to the bespoke wall panelling, which was individually site-measured, to ensure each panel fitted correctly with the veneer grain, tone and texture matching throughout.

Our Project Manager for the job, commissioned job specific fire assessment to cover numerous bespoke details beyond standard test evidence, and this proactive approach paid dividend, ensuring no delays on installation.

The Solution

High traffic levels coupled with impact damage from trolleys and wheeled equipment was of primary importance, hence our proposal included the use of door edge protection and kick plates to prolong the longevity of operation.

Containing the spread of bacteria is always a top priority within hospital environments, consequently our Fields Hygiene Doorset was installed across all 12 floors. It was selected to comply with HTM (Healthcare Technical Memorandum) 58 requirements.

Lead shielding is a requirement in areas where radiation produced by X-ray machines can pass through the building causing harm to people. This necessity to provide protection was the driver behind the use of the Fields X-ray Doorset on the project, which was also used for its fire resistance properties of up to FD60.

To enable multi user access to WCs within the building, our specifically designed Pivot/Bi-fold Doorset was used. The design minimised intrusion on busy corridors and maximised internal toilet space with its innovative opening mechanism. Anti-barricade functionality was also included with the use of a retractable guide bolt that overrides standard use, allowing emergency release.

To meet other areas of the design brief our doorset assemblies also included key features such as:

• Stainless steel cloak beads for ease of cleaning.
• Flush check beading to eliminate damage to protruding parts and reduce surface area that can harbour harmful bacteria. 
• Privacy Vision Panels to enable better patient care for vulnerable people.