Hospitals and Healthcare

Grafton Hospital – Central Chiller Upgrade

03/02/2020 By EpesEditor

Grafton Hospital – Central Chiller Upgrade Slide 1

Grafton Hospital - Central Chiller Upgrade

Mechanical Engineering

EPES were engaged by NNSWLHD to investigate performance issues with existing chillers and prepare contract design documentation for the upgrade of central chilled water system. Central chilled water systems serving critical care areas such as operating theatres, sterile store and reprocessing areas.

Our role in the works was from initial investigations, concept development through to detailed engineering design, tendering assistance, construction supervision and thorough witness testing during commissioning.

Scope included mechanical, electrical and BMS.

The Problem

Project Information

Location: Grafton, New South Wales, Australia
Client: Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD)
Engagement: Design Consultant
Sectors: Buildings, Hospitals and Healthcare
Services: Building Services, Commissioning Assistance, Construction and Design Consulting, Independent Reviews and Audits
Year: 2015

As hospitals are refurbished and extended to, there is a tendency for the hydraulics of the chilled water system to vary from the original design. This is particularly important when modern technology and design thinking is introduced into legacy systems.

Differences in thinking around variable flow versus constant flow, system configurations (primary versus primary/secondary) necessitate critical thinking and taking the time to understand the original design intent and how new design thinking will influence performance and reliability. Modern equipment is much more sensitive to changes in flow and temperature.

The main challenges in this project was to understand the legacy system and the changes that have been introduced since it was initially commissioned.

Analysis and Implementation

EPES spent considerable time in the investigation stages to gain a thorough understanding of the following:

EPES also liaised extensively with various stakeholders including clinical staff, project managers and Contractors involved in the original works as well BMS controls technicians and site-based maintenance engineers.

Once the various pieces of the puzzle had been determined, a contract design was prepared which included replacement of a legacy chiller, modifications to chilled water piping and reprogramming of BMS controls functions.

Outcome

The resulting chilled water system has provided the hospital with reliable chilled water production and reticulation throughout the field. Controls functions have been rigorously tested, including staging and failure controls functions to ensure that critical areas are always provided with cooling and dehumidification.

Integrating new technologies into legacy systems must be subjected to a high degree of diligence and investigation to ensure compatibility. Taking the time to understand the root cause of performance problems enables long term reliable solutions to be identified economically and with minimised disruption to availability.

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Nepean Blue Mountain LHD – Asset Data and Life Cycling

03/02/2020 By EpesEditor

Nepean Blue Mountain LHD – Asset Data and Life Cycling Slide 1

Nepean Blue Mountain LHD – Asset Data and Life Cycling

Asset Data Capture and Life Cycle Assessment

As part of NSW Health’s implementation of Asset and Facilities Management System (AFMOnline), EPES were engaged by NBMLHD to undertake a district wide audit of maintainable assets and prepare a database of plant and equipment to enable population of data into the new system.

The scope EPES undertook was significant and hands-on:

1. Assessment of age and condition, estimate of remaining service life

2. Assign unique Asset number

3. Collation of available technical data associated with each piece of equipment

4. Image log for each piece of equipment

Project Information

Location: Penrith, New South Wales, Australia
Client: Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District (NBMLHD)
Engagement: Engineering Consultant
Sectors: Buildings, Hospitals and Healthcare
Services: Asset Management, Building Services, Construction and Design Consulting, Independent Reviews and Audits
Year: 2018

5. Inspection of mechanical, electrical and hydraulic assets at Nepean Hospital, Blue Mountains Hospital, Lithgow Hospital, Portland and Springwood Hospitals

In our planning for this project, we identified a need to develop an electronic Data Collection System and developed a customised EPES Asset Management Register with VBA Microsoft Excel. This enabled EPES personnel to undertake the data collection using Tablets, avoiding double handling and simplifying reporting.

The Problem

There were several logistical challenges associated with the works, that included:

Gaining access to all areas within 5 hospitals over a short period of time
Identifying plant and equipment in complex unfamiliar buildings
Lack of existing data and records
Maintaining data integrity and consistency across all sites
Significant number of assets to be captured and assessed

We were also tasked with ensuring that the information we produced was coherent, organised and in a suitable format to be integrated into AFMOnline.

Analysis and Implementation

We recognised early that to compile high quality, repeatable and consistent data we needed to constrain the way the information was collected. We developed the EPES Asset Management System with limited customisable fields, and otherwise standardised data entry fields (e.g. drop-down lists & scales). This would be crucial to the quality the end-product.

We also understood that we needed to break down the communication barriers and liaise directly with on-the-ground maintenance staff who would be able to short circuit the information gathering processes. Given the significant practical experience of our technical staff, we easily build rapport with maintenance and trade staff gaining access to information and assistance in finding where assets were in the absence of as-built drawings and data.

Finally, as consistency was fundamental, we ensured that teams working on the different sites attended regular briefings during the work with other teams to ensure alignment in the recording process, consistency in the evaluation of asset condition and assumptions used in estimating remaining service life.

Outcome

Because of the extent of planning and control, and the development of a consistent data collection system we were able to provide NBMLHD with a register of maintainable assets that was consistent across the district. It also gave them visibility of which assets were approaching the end of service life to enable budget forecasting and ARRP planning to be initiated in a proactive manner.

Where complex tasks and challenging outcomes are required, the best investment is to plan both the outcome of the works and the method of execution. From this understanding, a robust and accelerable plan is defined.

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Gosford and Wyong Hospital – Isolation Room Testing

31/01/2020 By EpesEditor

Gosford and Wyong Hospital – Isolation Room Testing Slide 1

Gosford and Wyong Hospital Isolation Room Testing

Testing, Inspection and Upgrade Works

EPES performed comprehensive isolation room pressure testing and functional performance verification of 49 isolation rooms commissioned between 1989 and 2006.

Generally, the works included:

1. Alarms

2. Functional controls

3. HEPA certifications

4. Inspection of rooms and sealing

5. Validation of room pressures and air flow directions

6. Verification against current compliance requirements

Project Information

Location: Gosford, New South Wales, Australia
Client: Central Coast Local Health District
Engagement: Engineering Consultant
Sectors: Buildings, Hospitals and Healthcare
Services: Building Services, Commissioning Assistance, Construction and Design Consulting, Independent Reviews and Auditing
Year: 2019

Subsequently, EPES developed Contract Design documentation for upgrade works associated with the findings of the testing and validation. The upgrade works were associated with ongoing due diligence.

The Problem

Health Facility Guidelines are subjected to change as better approaches and advancement in isolation room design are identified. Changes have occurred in how isolation rooms are designed and controlled, as well as the way in which modern controls technologies have enabled safer more robust approaches to infectious and protective isolation room design.

Analysis and Implementation

EPES undertook a baseline compliance review to identify the compliance requirements at the time each isolation room was commissioned, that includes:

We assessed how subsequent changes effected the installed systems. Where measurable improvements were identified, contract design documents were prepared to enabled upgrade works to be undertaken.

Outcome

Requirements within health facilities frequently undergo change, it is important to understand how these changes may affect legacy systems as well as how upgrades may significantly improve safety and reliability.

It is preferred to ensure that design and construction is controlled in such a way that performance related issues are either avoided or addressed during the commissioning stages. This relies on using experienced engineers throughout the process.

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Inverell Hospital – Redevelopment Stage 1B

31/01/2020 By EpesEditor

Inverell Hospital – Redevelopment Stage 1B Slide 1

Inverell Hospital Redevelopment Stage 1B

Parts 1 – 9 Concept Design, Design Development, Contract Documents and Construction Services

This project involved the major refurbishment of the original hospital building which was built in the 1930’s served by a wide variety of air conditioning and heating systems or varying age and condition.

The refurbished facility will include Oral Health, Ambulatory Care, Women’s & Children and Office areas or Education and Telehealth.

Our role in this project is to develop a practical and robust solution to the ongoing provision of heating, cooling and ventilation for the changed building usage and maintain consistency with Stage 1A design.

Project Information

Location: Inverell, New South Wales, Australia
Client: Health Infrastructure
Engagement: Mechanical Services and Medical Gases
Sectors: Buildings, Hospitals & Healthcare
Services: Building Services, Commissioning Assistance, Construction and Design Consulting, Digital Engineering
Year: 2019

Additionally, we were engaged as the Watching Brief consultant for Stage 1A ($30m budget) which includes a new Clinical Services Building with Emergency Department, Paediatric and Maternity Facilities, Palliative Care, medical Imaging, Operating Theatres, Day Surgery and new main entry.

The Problem

The existing building has various systems installed throughout the life of the hospital for heating, cooling and ventilation with poor levels of compliance with current standards and guidelines.

Several challenges were identified:

1. Complex building geometry and constraints

2. Gaps between current day standards and what was existing

3. No documentation for existing systems

4. Significant redundant equipment left in place

5. Very little consistency of types of systems

Analysis and Implementation

With a brownfield site such as this, there is very little choice other than detailed survey works to properly understand what systems and equipment are in place, what is redundant, what is working and its condition, maintenance history and compliance.

We commenced our work with extensive surveys of existing equipment, recording existing systems and the areas they served. Additionally, we discussed the performance of existing systems with staff and maintenance personnel to get a picture of how the existing systems were performing.

Through our engagement on Stage 1A, we were also able to align our design decisions with the technology and approach used in the new building further simplifying the maintenance tasks for local staff. This approach offers many benefits to the LHD by enabling consistent maintenance contracts across both stages of the project.

We opted to introduce a chilled water plant, consistent in technology and controls to that of Stage 1A and to interconnect with existing hot water boilers exploiting a surplus in heating capacity. Existing medical gas recirculation were able to be repurposed for the new usage.

Outcome

Simple design solution tailored to the long-term use of the building:

Better temperature control and heating performance in cold winter conditions
Capitalise on surplus existing heating capacity reducing new equipment
Consistent equipment and controls across the site, reduced maintenance costs
Ease of maintenance
Long term solution, 25 years to major upgrade/replacement

Take the time to study existing systems and understand the constraints of users in rural or remote areas. Consistency and simplicity is key to successful outcomes.

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Port Macquarie Base Hospital – PACS and Renal Redevelopment

31/01/2020 By EpesEditor

Port Macquarie Base Hospital – PACS and Renal Redevelopment Slide 1

Port Macquarie Base Hospital – PACS and Renal Redevelopment

Mechanical Services

The project consisted of the completed refurbishment of existing redundant theatre precinct and renal dialysis unit to provide new PACS (Patient Admissions Centre) and new Renal Dialysis unit (RDU) at Port Macquarie Base Hospital.

The Problem

Due to the significant change in usage (existing theatre precinct) and the age of the original installation works (circa 1992) there was a significant step in the design process to gain a detailed understanding of the existing systems and how they operated.

We spent considerable time studying ventilation and smoke control standards which applied in 1992 to develop a strategy for the mechanical services design.

Project Information

Location: Port Macquarie, New South Wales, Australia
Client: Mid North Coast Local Health District
Engagement: Consultant
Sectors: Buildings, Hospitals and Healthcare
Services: Building Services, Commissioning Assistance, Construction and Design Consulting, Independent Reviews and Audits
Year: 2016

There were several issues identified during this analysis that required an integrated approach with the rest of the hospital, including ensuring that adjacent zones were not affected.

Existing systems serving the spaces were circa 25 years old and in poor condition.

Analysis and Implementation

We evaluated the suitability of existing systems for repurposing however decided that given the age of the existing systems and the likely time before the area would be accessible again, that the existing air handling plant and ductwork should be replaced with new. It was decided that new plant should be located for ease of maintenance consistent with existing maintenance practices already in place.

Existing capacity from central chillers, boilers and pumps were adequate given the change in usage being a lower load intensity than previously.

New systems would be introduced which satisfy current AusHFG requirements.

Outcome

EPES designed new mechanical systems for the new spaces with as much consistency and integration with existing central services as possible, as well as connectivity with BMS systems already in place at the site.

New air handling plant and smoke control systems were installed matching existing maintenance and operational practices at the site with minimal impact.

Taking time during design to understand the site, existing processes and the personnel responsible for managing assets allows design to closely consider the end user.

Systems serving healthcare facilities are required to be reliable, ensuring that design properly considers the end user greatly assists in achieving reliability.

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Gosford Hospital – Operating Theatre Upgrade

03/09/2019 By EpesEditor

Gosford Hospital – Operating Theatre Upgrade Slide 1

Gosford Hospital - Operating Theatre Upgrade

Mechanical Engineering

EPES were engaged to undertake compliance reviews and testing of existing operating theatres precinct and baseline performance prior to opening of additional theatres. This included verification of theatre air handling systems with regards to NSW Health legacy and current (AusHFG) Engineering Services Guidelines as well as legacy and current Australian Standards.

Scope generally included:

Project Information

Location: Gosford, New South Wales, Australia
Client: Central Coast Local Health District
Engagement: Design Consultant
Sectors: Buildings, Hospitals and Healthcare
Services: Asset Management, Building Services, Commissioning Assistance, Construction and Design Consulting, Independent Reviews and Audits
Year: 2018

EPES provided recommendations and contract documentation for works to be undertaken to upgrade operating theatres precinct to maintain compliance with current AusHFG requirements. EPES provided ongoing technical support and guidance.

The Problem

Performing any works or investigations within an operating theatre precinct presents many logistical challenges in terms of access, interruptions and critical performance of air handling systems in these areas. Also, given the age of the equipment serving the existing theatres technical data was difficult to source from suppliers and manufacturers (they don’t exist anymore).

EPES have been involved in many projects where upgrade works have not considered the original design intention of existing systems. This creates expensive and disruptive problems negatively effecting system reliability and performance.

Analysis and Implementation

Communication with stakeholders is crucial to gaining the required access to critical areas such as operating theatre precincts, as well as being highly flexible with timing and short notice requirements (e.g. emergency theatre demands).

Additionally, at EPES we have engineers who’ve had experience working with air handling systems for over 40 years. This understanding enables us an advantage in being able to trouble shoot and define system operation largely in the absence of as-built documentation and supplier technical literature.

Outcome

EPES were able to prepare contract design documentation that supplemented the intended original operation of the system, whilst upgrading to current performance requirements.

Using experience engineers with a track record of working and modifying legacy systems is critical for successful outcomes.

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Port Macquarie Base Hospital – Mental Health Expansion

29/08/2019 By EpesEditor

Port Macquarie Base Hospital

Port Macquarie Base Hospital – Mental Health Expansion

Parts 4–9 Design Development and Construction Services

Health Infrastructure delivered a new 24 bed acute mental health inpatient unit and refurbishment of existing unit at Port Macquarie Base Hospital within the Mid North Coast Local Health District. This stage was handed over in February 2019.

Design requirements required to Building Code of Australia, Australian Health Facility Guidelines and NSW Health Engineering Services Guidelines.

EPES were engaged by Health Infrastructure to deliver the Mechanical Services and Medical Gases design and were involved in the Construction and Commissioning of the works.

Project Information

Location: Port Macquarie, New South Wales, Australia
Client: Health Infrastructure
Engagement: Mechanical Services Consultant
Sectors: Buildings, Hospitals and Healthcare
Services: Building Services, Commissioning Assistance, Construction and Design Consulting, Digital Engineering
Year: 2017

The Problem

There are several key design challenges with mechanical services within an acute mental health unit requiring careful and pragmatic considerations:

1. Safety precautions and special anti-ligature requirements

2. Restricted access into inpatient areas and ceiling voids

3. Potential high levels of disruption with maintenance access in the unit

4. Safety risks for staff accessing the space to perform maintenance

5. Sustainable focus on reducing energy use

6. Maximising value for tax payers

7. Minimising additional maintenance costs for the Local Health District

Analysis and Implementation

We considered several different options for delivering heating, cooling and ventilation to the facility, with careful review of how the site currently operated:

How is existing maintenance performed?
Can we design out maintenance access inside the unit?
What maintenance contracts are in place and with who?
How do maintenance staff think these problems should be overcome?
Is there opportunity to utilise existing systems to avoid introducing new plant?

The design solution dramatically reduced the need for maintenance personnel to enter the unit with all air conditioning and ventilation plant located within the building under croft accessible without having to enter the unit.

Interconnected new unit with high efficiency water cooled chillers already in operation with high levels of surplus capacity
Relocated all air handling plant and ventilation fans into the under-croft plant area so maintenance access into the unit was less than once a year and system issues could be resolved from outside the unit at any time of the day
Positioned the majority of fire and smoke dampers within the under croft for ease of access for inspections utilising fire rated boots below floor slab and minimising ductwork crossing of fire/smoke compartments.

Outcome

Benefits for the client and end users include:

Utilising existing chillers and boilers negated the need for any additional maintenance contracts or extension of existing agreements
Utilising existing BMCS provider
Engagement with maintenance staff and delivering a maintenance friendly solution will greatly improve reliability with lower costs
Energy savings will be significant as existing chillers offer much higher efficiencies than dedicated air-cooled options.

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Hospitals and Healthcare

Grafton Hospital - Central Chiller Upgrade

Mechanical Engineering

The Problem

Analysis and Implementation

Outcome

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Nepean Blue Mountain LHD – Asset Data and Life Cycling

Asset Data Capture and Life Cycle Assessment

The Problem

Analysis and Implementation

Outcome

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Gosford and Wyong Hospital Isolation Room Testing

Testing, Inspection and Upgrade Works

The Problem

Analysis and Implementation

Outcome

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Inverell Hospital Redevelopment Stage 1B

Parts 1 – 9 Concept Design, Design Development, Contract Documents and Construction Services

The Problem

Analysis and Implementation

Outcome

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Port Macquarie Base Hospital – PACS and Renal Redevelopment

Mechanical Services

The Problem

Analysis and Implementation

Outcome

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Gosford Hospital - Operating Theatre Upgrade

Mechanical Engineering

The Problem

Analysis and Implementation

Outcome

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Port Macquarie Base Hospital – Mental Health Expansion

Parts 4–9 Design Development and Construction Services

The Problem

Analysis and Implementation

Outcome

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