Case Study by Zac Thomson, Greenway Building Services Consultants

An ambitious venture at the Warwick Hospital has brought together innovation and engineering excellence. It aims to redefine the way cardiac facilities are imagined. Meet the £3m catheterisation laboratory, a testament to the invaluable contribution of Greenway and Partners Ltd, a small mechanical and electrical consultancy based in Leamington Spa.

A vision of excellence: The Warwick catheterisation laboratory

The project was conceived with a clear mission - to create a state-of-the-art facility that would allow medical professionals to perform complex cardiac procedures while ensuring minimal environmental impact.

The client aspired to upgrade their cardiac care facilities, space constraints and the uninterrupted operation of the hospital posed significant challenges.

The consultants were entrusted with the task of designing and implementing the mechanical and electrical systems for this pioneering project, and they rose to the occasion with exceptional engineering expertise.

Sustainable solutions: Heating and cooling with renewable energy

One of the standout features of this laboratory is its commitment to sustainability. To ensure that the facility is powered solely by renewable sources and free from fossil fuels, it was agreed that the solution for heating was heat pumps. Four heat pump units were installed to deliver heating to the ward area, ancillary rooms, and the catheterisation laboratory.

These systems employed radiant panels for efficient heat distribution and heating coils on the air handling unit to meet the HVAC requirements of an operating theatre.

The team didn't stop there in their quest for sustainable energy solutions. Domestic hot water needs were addressed by a separate heat pump/calorifer installation, meticulously designed by the team, which further reduced the environmental footprint of the facility.

Cooling for the laboratory was achieved via DX cooling coils on the air handling unit, as the site lacked the space and infrastructure for traditional chilled water plants. This creative cooling solution not only met the stringent requirements of the laboratory but also demonstrated the ability to overcome site-specific challenges. Ensuring Continuous Operation:

Redundancy and Power Supply Recognising the critical nature of the facility, the team took it a step further by implementing a separate project to guarantee uninterrupted operation. A new transformer, generator, and LV switch panel were installed nearby, allowing the entire project to have a secondary power supply. This redundancy extended to the heating and hot water systems, ensuring the facility could continue to serve patients even during power outages.

Precision engineering: UPS and isolating transformer installation

This particular project demanded the highest level of redundancy for the medical and imaging equipment, making it essential to have a robust power backup system.

The team of engineers designed a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) and isolating transformer installation. This provided a fail-safe mechanism to maintain power to the laboratory even during unforeseen electrical interruptions, safeguarding the integrity of critical medical procedures.

Throughout the project's development, the M&E engineers collaborated closely with imaging specialists, the client, architects, and contractors, ensuring a seamless integration of all systems for optimal outcomes. This meticulous coordination resulted in a cardiac care facility that's not only technologically advanced but also a testament to the power of teamwork.

A new era in cardiac care at Warwick

The high-tech project is now operational, providing a much-needed facility in the area. Thanks to the dedication, expertise, and innovative solutions provided by the team, this state-of-the-art facility has paved the way for a new era in cardiac procedures at this hospital. It's a testament to what can be achieved when engineering and medicine join hands to transform lives and raise the bar for healthcare.

Info www.greenwaysbsc.com