Mount Edgcumbe Hospice

Project

Mount Edgcumbe Hospice

Location

St Austell, Cornwall

Client

Cornwall Hospice Care

Contract

£1.1m

Duration

40 weeks

Project Description

An extensive refurbishment and upgrade project at Mount Edgcumbe Hospice (Cornwall’s oldest hospice) for Cornwall Hospice Care on the outskirts of St Austell. The new development has been designed to increase patient privacy and dignity, and includes replacing bedded bays with single rooms, the development of a therapy hub and a new entrance and reception area for patients which will introduce two assessment beds to form a crisis intervention suite. Works include both internal and external refurbishment works, as well as a new build extension to the original building, carried out in a live (24/7), sensitive environment.

The project included a complex phased approach to the work over six phases, in order to reduce disruption to patients and their visitors. A schedule was established from the outset to sensitively move patients between areas so that work could continue without delay. Once certain areas were complete and handed over, patients were able to return to their newly refurbished rooms. Temporary reception areas were created within completed areas to ensure continuity of care for patients.

The new build element of the works included the construction of a new steel entrance area – this included the installation of new foundations and piling system due to poor ground conditions – to accommodate a new partially exposed structural frame. The new structure was clad in zinc with roof-to-wall cranked windows and fire-treated accoya wood wall cladding. Part of the steel frame was utilised to form a new suspended/cantilever ground floor slab to enable ambulances to transport patients to the new crisis intervention suite. Internally we installed specialist lighting and a high standard of resin floor finishes.

The refurbishment element of the works included the strip-out of patient areas to a shell structure, before carrying out EPC upgrades including extensive M&E works such as the integration of a specialist MVHR system with a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filtration system; the installation of new wall, ceiling and roof insulation and triple-glazed windows; the installation of new hygienic surfacing to the walls and floors; redecoration throughout the building; the removal of an existing entrance and ambulance bay and balcony upgrade works the rear of the building. Externally, we installed a number of Electric Vehicle (EV) charging points in the par park.

Due to the sensitive nature of the building and its occupants, patient sensitivity and hygiene remained paramount throughout the duration of the project. We took care to understand the operational requirements of the hospital staff to establish the agreed phasing strategy, and a clear communication strategy with the Hospice’s Estates Manager and staff was established from the outset to ensure they were kept informed of the programme and advised of potentially noisy works.

We were delighted to show our support to the charity and the important work that they do by donating materials to the job, saving them money. This included an external rendering system for the walls, and stone cladding for external planters (surplus materials from another project in Cornwall).

Every phase of this intricate live-environment project was guided by a profound respect for the patients, families, and dedicated staff of Mount Edgcumbe Hospice. What stands today is more than a modern, high-specification facility – it is a warm, peaceful haven where comfort, safety, and compassion will endure for generations to come.