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:
- Evaluation and reporting of results with original commissioning records
- Inspection of rooms and door seals
- Measurement of chilled and heating water flow rates
- Measurement of supply, return and outside air flow rates at air handling plant
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
- Review of the interaction of new theatres with existing
- Verification of air change rates and HEPA certification records
- Verification of room pressure differentials and air flow directions
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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