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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