Building on a successful and long-standing relationship with Barchester Healthcare Ltd this project involved a single-storey timber frame extension to the existing Beeston View Care Home. The extension forms six additional bedrooms and a linked corridor.
Additional works included the demolition of an existing single-storey link corridor and refurbishment/alteration works to existing areas, along with external works. Our team had to manage working around vulnerable residents in the operational care home. To minimise disruption the team ensured that we developed a strong relationship between our site team and home managers. Consequently, we agreed with the care home staff that works could not be undertaken before 8:30 am to allow the residents to rest and finish their morning routines with minimal disturbance. The team, on occasion, had to stop works out of respect for the resident’s and their families.
Having worked on numerous care homes for Barchester, Billy Whiteside, our contracts manager lead toolbox talks to our site team on working around people with dementia to ensure best practice was maintained. One of the main risks was fire access and means of escape, considering the care home’s residents, where due to the situation, we had to help modify normal fire procedures. The care home’s usual solution was panic bars, which were not suitable during the works. Digi locks were selected as the most suitable solution with the care home’s fire warden, along with regular meetings and alarm tests.
We also had to ensure the security of the residents, to prevent them from walking out of the building at all times, so we had to ensure that there was no tailgating at any times. Where possible works were completely segregated and communicated on our agreed logistics plans, ensuring all parties were aware of the current works as they evolved.
