Chest And Heart Unit

OVERHAUL FOR THE CHEST AND HEART UNIT

HOW THE CHARITY HELPS

In 2018, the Guernsey Chest and Heart Unit saw almost 2,000 islanders, helping diagnose a wide range of potential problems.

• Number of clients screened: 1,934 • Number of new clients seen: 498 • Number of clients with a BMI greater than 30: 407 • Number of clients with raised blood pressure: 214 • Number of clients with raised cholesterol: 418 • Number of clients with abnormal

ECGs: 53

Take one local charity with a building in need of major work and pair it with a local builders’ merchant looking for a community project. The result – a complete overhaul of the Guernsey Chest and Heart Unit courtesy of the Norman Piette Task Force. We found out what inspired Norman Piette to undertake the project, and the difference it will make to the charity.

Steve Powell is an executive manager at Norman Piette and he has been the driving force behind the project. Inspired by the television programme, DIY SOS, last year he persuaded his board of directors to take on a major community project.

Once a budget was in place, Norman Piette went looking for a suitable project. Despite a host of applications, they couldn’t find the right fit until a chance conversation led to the suggestion of the Chest and Heart Unit refurbishment. For Norman Piette, it was a perfect fit for their criteria as they wanted a project where their staff could be involved and the whole island could potentially benefit. For the Chest and Heart Unit, it offered the ideal opportunity to make their space fit for purpose without the delays and pressure of fundraising and managing the work.

Steve said he was excited about the project from the start. “As soon as I saw the plans for the unit I knew it was perfect for us. We have so many multi-skilled people working for Norman Piette, including carpenters, plasterers and decorators so we knew we could provide the skills for the project. When we saw the initial plans, which involved taking the unit back to its bare walls for a full refit, I thought that we could manage 80% of the work in-house, which was ideal.”

For the centre manager, Carolyn Oxburgh, the involvement from Norman Piette couldn’t have come at a better time for the charity. “When we first had the discussions with them about the project we were absolutely amazed at their offer, and very excited. The building is 45 years old and so we weren’t working in the best conditions. The plumbing and electrics weren’t operating properly and the space wasn’t ideal. We knew we needed to do something to upgrade the premises, but it would never have been possible in this timeframe without the help from Norman Piette.”

WE KNEW WE NEEDED TO DO SOMETHING TO UPGRADE THE PREMISES, BUT IT WOULD NEVER HAVE BEEN POSSIBLE IN THIS TIMEFRAME WITHOUT THE HELP FROM NORMAN PIETTE.

The Chest and Heart Unit moved out of their building on the Princess Elizabeth Hospital grounds earlier this year and Norman Piette started work at the end of March. Demolition came first, as they stripped out the building – from the electrics and plumbing to most of the internal walls. Once the building was just a shell, they started rebuilding to create a more suitable space for the unit.

Steve explained what they have undertaken. “We have created four treatment rooms, one of which is fully accessible. Previously there were two treatment rooms, but one was unnecessarily large which was wasting space that could be better used for other purposes. We’ve also built a proper kitchen to replace the small kitchenette, created an open plan reception area, and allowed for proper office space and muchneeded storage.”

Once work had started, Norman Piette decided to go even further than their original plans – replacing all the windows in the building and fitting new flooring throughout. Together with the new plumbing and electrics, it’s been a major project, but one they feel has been worth the effort and expense.

For Carolyn, the changes will allow the charity to work more effectively. “Due to new equipment, a single nurse is able to see clients on their own, whereas previously two nurses had to be present for each client. Now we have one to one appointments, which can be more personal and beneficial to the client – and also allows us to see more people. But we needed more assessment rooms to enable that to happen, so we’re delighted that the new building will allow us to work in that way.”

One of the most important changes to the building is its accessibility. A permanent access ramp has been installed, along with extra wide doors, a disabled toilet in the building and an accessible treatment room.

Alongside all the practical changes taking place, there are some softer touches designed to reassure the charity’s clients. The new space allows for sofas rather than seats so as to appear more welcoming, while the bright fresh space is designed to make those visiting feel more at ease.

The vast bulk of the work has been carried out by Norman Piette staff, project managed by Steve and his colleague, Jamie Rigler. Staff have been allowed to come up to the site during working hours where business allowed, and they have also been encouraged to come and help in their own time at weekends. It has been a huge commitment from the company, who estimate they have spent around 1,200 man hours on the project.

Where Norman Piette staff have not been able do the work themselves, Steve says that smaller contractors have come in to help out. “We brought in some sub-contractors including somebody to do the internal plastering, and a small builder to do some general building work such as window openings and blockwork. We’ve been surprised by how many people have wanted to help with this, and we’ve certainly used all our contacts and called in a lot of favours.

“Where people haven’t been able to help at no charge, they have often done the work at a reduced rate. All the support from our suppliers has made a huge difference and everyone who has helped will be recognised on a sign in the building to say thank you.”

For Steve, the project has been a rewarding one. “We were really pleased with the finished building. We said we wanted to complete a project using the skills of our staff that would benefit the community and we’ve ticked every box. It’s taken lots of hard work and definitely eaten up most of my free time, but I’ve had a real passion for this project so I haven’t minded that at all. It’s been very satisfying seeing it take shape and knowing that we’ve achieved that. All the staff involved are certainly very proud of it as well.” For Carolyn, the project will have benefits not only for the staff working in the unit, but for all islanders. “It looks amazing, it’s like a brand new building, and it’s going to be so lovely to work in there. It will be much better for the team to have a nice working environment and will hopefully encourage others to join us as we are looking to expand.

“I hope that our reopening will inspire more people to come and use the service. Our aim is to encourage people who have never been to the unit to come – and the new space allows us to increase our services to cater for that. Norman Piette have been absolutely amazing to do this for us and for islanders and I can’t speak highly enough of Steve and his team.”

THE NEW SPACE ALLOWS FOR SOFAS RATHER THAN SEATS SO AS TO APPEAR MORE WELCOMING, WHILE THE BRIGHT FRESH SPACE IS DESIGNED TO MAKE THOSE VISITING FEEL MORE AT EASE