As we well know, daily routines in public sectors can’t come to a stop just because the building needs work doing, especially not a hospital. This was indeed the case at the fantastic Edward Street Hospital in West Bromwich. The client wanted a refurbishment of quite a dated flooring area, so our solution was to put down new sheet vinyl which would be easier to maintain and clean.

There were a few challenges that we faced, the main one being that the existing flooring had been ripped up, but there was still plywood stuck down to the floor underneath, it was difficult, but we managed, and installed the new plywood underneath. Other challenges included working round other trades in small areas and ensuring we were conscious of the risk that is dust contamination to patients and staff.

The floor for the hospital was specified, this is the case in most hospital due the Care Quality Commission (CQC), which is the independent regulator of all health and social care services in England. They monitor, inspect and regulate hospitals and other services. The sheet vinyl flooring was the perfect solution, due to it being easy to clean, maintain and being tightly sealed so that there’s no areas for bacteria to hide.

We worked closely with the staff and the main contractors to ensure that disruption was kept to a minimum. It’s always rewarding when you know that the job you’re doing is going to make a difference.