scope of work

UDC was appointed by NHS Property Services to deliver the replacement of the nurse call system at Elmhurst Intermediate Care Centre, a 24-hour facility providing accommodation and care for adult patients.

the existing nurse call system had reached the end of its operational life and had become increasingly difficult to maintain, with limited flexibility to adapt to the changing needs of the facility. following consultation with the on-site nursing team, UDC developed a replacement solution tailored to the requirements of staff and residents, ensuring the new system provided improved functionality whilst remaining straightforward to use.

the project included the replacement of nurse call points, emergency assistance buttons and associated equipment throughout resident bedrooms, communal areas and staff locations across the building. a key objective was to provide a future-proofed system that could be easily expanded, modified and updated as service requirements evolve.

working closely with NHS Property Services, UDC prepared the specification, co-ordinated the tender process and supported the selection of a suitable contractor to deliver the works. the project was delivered to a fast-track programme, with installation completed within a three-week period.

challenges faced

the principal challenge was undertaking the works within a live intermediate care environment whilst minimising disruption to residents and staff.

as the building operates on a 24-hour basis, careful co-ordination was required throughout the installation. contractors worked closely with the nurse in charge each day to agree access arrangements for resident bedrooms and occupied areas, ensuring patient care remained the priority at all times. following installation, all affected areas were made good and redecorated as required.

the fast-track programme also required close collaboration between all parties to ensure the project could be designed, procured and delivered within the required timescales.

outcome

the project was successfully completed within the three-week programme and the new nurse call system is now fully operational throughout the facility.

the upgraded system provides a more reliable and flexible solution for staff and residents, with the ability to add, remove and reconfigure devices as future requirements change. this has addressed the limitations of the previous system whilst improving reliability and making the system easier to manage and maintain over time.

the completed works were well received by both NHS Property Services and the on-site care team, delivering a modern nurse call system that better supports the day-to-day operation of the centre.