The Consortia Group was appointed to deliver the refurbishment of Greenbank Surgery, initially focused on the ground floor reception and treatment room. As the project progressed, the scope expanded to include the redecoration of the first floor and upper floor offices, together with additional improvements that enhanced the functionality, accessibility and overall environment of the practice.
A key priority throughout the project was ensuring the surgery remained fully operational, allowing patients and staff to continue accessing essential healthcare services with minimal disruption.
Maintaining uninterrupted access to the surgery while undertaking extensive refurbishment works required careful planning and close collaboration with the client.
During the project, an unforeseen issue was identified when the existing upper floor ceilings were found to be unsafe due to the delamination of the original plaster. Recognising the potential risk, we immediately implemented temporary protection measures to safeguard occupants and prevent further deterioration.
Within 12 hours of identifying the issue, we had engaged a structural engineer to carry out a detailed survey, enabling informed decisions to be made quickly. Working alongside the client, we developed a practical solution that allowed the ceiling replacement works to be completed with minimal impact on the day-to-day operation of the surgery.
To further reduce disruption, several elements of the programme were delivered during night shifts, particularly where works could have affected patient access or clinical services.
Collaboration and Communication
Close communication with the client was fundamental to the successful delivery of the project. As the scope evolved and unexpected structural issues emerged, we maintained regular dialogue to ensure decisions could be made quickly and programme impacts were minimised.
Our proactive approach enabled additional works to be incorporated without compromising the continued operation of the surgery. By coordinating works around clinical activities and undertaking high-impact tasks outside normal operating hours, we ensured patients and staff experienced as little disruption as possible.
Value Engineering
Throughout the project, we worked collaboratively with the client to identify solutions that provided the best long-term value without compromising quality or safety.
Following the discovery of the defective ceilings, we reviewed the proposed replacement works to reduce unnecessary costs while maintaining compliance and performance. In addition, The Consortia Group reduced its usual profit margin on the ceiling replacement works, helping the client manage the unforeseen additional expenditure resulting from the latent defect.
Programme and Quality Management
Maintaining programme certainty while accommodating an expanding scope of works required careful planning and flexible resource management.
Works were sequenced to allow the surgery to remain operational throughout the project, with night working utilised where interfaces with patients or clinical staff could not be avoided.
Quality was maintained through regular inspections, close supervision and ongoing coordination with the client and specialist contractors. The rapid appointment of a structural engineer following the discovery of the ceiling defects demonstrated our proactive approach to risk management and our commitment to delivering safe, high-quality outcomes.
Outcome
The completed refurbishment has transformed Greenbank Surgery into a more modern, accessible and welcoming healthcare environment for patients, visitors and staff.
Despite the challenges presented by the live healthcare setting and the unforeseen structural ceiling issues, the project was delivered safely and with minimal disruption to the surgery’s daily operations. Through collaborative working, responsive problem-solving and a commitment to quality, The Consortia Group successfully delivered a refurbishment that not only met the client’s original objectives but also incorporated additional improvements that enhanced the longevity, safety and functionality of the building.
The Consortia Group was appointed to deliver the refurbishment of Greenbank Surgery, initially focused on the ground floor reception and treatment room. As the project progressed, the scope expanded to include the redecoration of the first floor and upper floor offices, together with additional improvements that enhanced the functionality, accessibility and overall environment of the practice.
A key priority throughout the project was ensuring the surgery remained fully operational, allowing patients and staff to continue accessing essential healthcare services with minimal disruption.
Maintaining uninterrupted access to the surgery while undertaking extensive refurbishment works required careful planning and close collaboration with the client.
During the project, an unforeseen issue was identified when the existing upper floor ceilings were found to be unsafe due to the delamination of the original plaster. Recognising the potential risk, we immediately implemented temporary protection measures to safeguard occupants and prevent further deterioration.
Within 12 hours of identifying the issue, we had engaged a structural engineer to carry out a detailed survey, enabling informed decisions to be made quickly. Working alongside the client, we developed a practical solution that allowed the ceiling replacement works to be completed with minimal impact on the day-to-day operation of the surgery.
To further reduce disruption, several elements of the programme were delivered during night shifts, particularly where works could have affected patient access or clinical services.
Collaboration and Communication
Close communication with the client was fundamental to the successful delivery of the project. As the scope evolved and unexpected structural issues emerged, we maintained regular dialogue to ensure decisions could be made quickly and programme impacts were minimised.
Our proactive approach enabled additional works to be incorporated without compromising the continued operation of the surgery. By coordinating works around clinical activities and undertaking high-impact tasks outside normal operating hours, we ensured patients and staff experienced as little disruption as possible.
Value Engineering
Throughout the project, we worked collaboratively with the client to identify solutions that provided the best long-term value without compromising quality or safety.
Following the discovery of the defective ceilings, we reviewed the proposed replacement works to reduce unnecessary costs while maintaining compliance and performance. In addition, The Consortia Group reduced its usual profit margin on the ceiling replacement works, helping the client manage the unforeseen additional expenditure resulting from the latent defect.
Programme and Quality Management
Maintaining programme certainty while accommodating an expanding scope of works required careful planning and flexible resource management.
Works were sequenced to allow the surgery to remain operational throughout the project, with night working utilised where interfaces with patients or clinical staff could not be avoided.
Quality was maintained through regular inspections, close supervision and ongoing coordination with the client and specialist contractors. The rapid appointment of a structural engineer following the discovery of the ceiling defects demonstrated our proactive approach to risk management and our commitment to delivering safe, high-quality outcomes.
Outcome
The completed refurbishment has transformed Greenbank Surgery into a more modern, accessible and welcoming healthcare environment for patients, visitors and staff.
Despite the challenges presented by the live healthcare setting and the unforeseen structural ceiling issues, the project was delivered safely and with minimal disruption to the surgery’s daily operations. Through collaborative working, responsive problem-solving and a commitment to quality, The Consortia Group successfully delivered a refurbishment that not only met the client’s original objectives but also incorporated additional improvements that enhanced the longevity, safety and functionality of the building.