COVER STORY ESS MODULAR
BRINGING A BRIGHTER FUTURE TO HEALTHCARE CONSTRUCTION
ESS Modular recently handed over a state-of-the-art 3,300sqm, 40-bedroom ward extension at Clonmel Hospital. Using a precision manufacturing offsite process significantly reduced the time required on-site, with the new hospital facility delivered in less than 12 months.
1 The new development consists of a two-storey accommodation block linked to the main hospital featuring 40 en-suite bedrooms, reception and lounge areas, kitchen facilities, staff changing rooms, store-rooms and drug preparation facilities. Each floor boasts 20 new bedrooms and the ground floor has been allocated as ‘Surgical 3’ as it directly links to the surgical area of the main hospital. The first floor will be used as a general ward block, known as ‘Medical 4’. The bedrooms vary in size to accommodate different usages including: semi-ambulant, bariatric, fully-ambulant and assisted bedrooms. “This new building provides the hospital with a modern department that will facilitate the delivery of safe,
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effective and efficient patient care,” says Maria Barry, General Manager, Clonmel Hospital. “It will assist in reducing significantly the numbers of patients who are currently treated on trolleys in clinically inappropriate spaces and it will reduce the level of over-crowding on the wards and within the Emergency Department. “The staff welcomes the development as it provides a physical environment area that is bright and spacious allowing our staff to care for patients with dignity. It also provides greater patient privacy and comfort as all rooms are single and en-suite. In addition it will allow us to safely manage patients who require isolation, thus preventing and controlling the
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spread of infection. I would like to acknowledge the work of ESS Modular and hospital management who’s collaboration and communication ensured a successful build within 12 months.” Design The modular ward extension was designed by ESS Modular who partnered with O’Connell Mahon Architects and Arup Consultants, to bring the works from planning stage through to detailed design, contractor tender and construction. The design brief specified the need for a naturallyventilated building and with this in mind, all bedrooms were designed on the building perimeter and fitted with large openable windows with the