The Project
The anti-barricade door replacement works across the two wards were a high-priority project that LPFT were required to deliver within a defined timeframe. Make Consulting supported LPFT through undertaking initial surveys alongside the specialist door manufacturer. Make co-ordinated the door design with the manufacturer, checking their drawings and providing comments where necessary. As Principal Designer Make also compiled the Pre-Construction Information Pack. Once all Tender Documents were collated, they were subsequently issued by Make Consulting to LPFT-approved contractors for pricing.
Prior to the commencement of construction works, Make Consulting arranged and chaired stakeholder meetings with key personnel from LPFT. A key stakeholder was the Clinical Project Manager, who was responsible for coordinating chaperones to accompany contractors while working on the wards and liaising with clinical staff to communicate the planned sequence of works. To support this process, Make Consulting worked closely with the contractor to develop a well-sequenced programme of works and ensured it was regularly reviewed and updated.
The Challenge
The principal challenge of the project was installing the new doors within occupied clinical environments. While this would have been challenging in any occupied building, the sensitive needs of the patients introduced additional complexities that required careful planning and coordination.
The tender documents stipulated that the Contractor was required to commence and complete each door installation within a single day. Further challenges arose following consultation with stakeholders, as Contractors were only permitted to work on site when chaperones were available, requiring each installation to be completed within a tightly controlled timeframe.
The nature of the patient environment also meant that Contractors were sometimes required to work under increased pressure while maintaining a safe and calm setting. Throughout the works, it was essential that each door was left in an anti-ligature condition wherever possible to ensure patient safety until Contractors returned to site.
The Solution
Make Consulting established clear site protocols during the pre-start meeting. The Contractor was instructed to maintain the same operatives on site throughout the project to provide a consistent and familiar presence for patients and staff. Operatives were also required to always wear appropriate PPE and work in pairs. To ensure security and safety, one operative alongside the designated chaperone was required to always remain within the work area to supervise tools and equipment.
Make Consulting remained readily available to both the Client and the Contractor, responding promptly to queries and resolving issues as they arose. Weekly site visits were undertaken to monitor progress, maintain strong working relationships with all stakeholders, and ensure the project remained on track. The programme was reviewed and updated regularly, with any changes communicated promptly to minimise disruption and maintain effective coordination.
The Outcome
Overall, the project was successfully delivered despite the significant challenges associated with working within occupied mental health care settings.
- 52 anti-barricade doors were successfully replaced.
- Both wards continued to provide care throughout the works.
- Patient safety was maintained at all times, with minimal disruption to patients, staff and ward operations.
Additional works were required following each door installation which resulted in a slight overall programme extension, primarily due to the wet trades and finishing works
required following each door installation. While each door was successfully installed within a single day in accordance with the planned installation sequence, the associated plastering, making good and decorating required follow-up visits. These return visits were carefully coordinated around the availability of ward chaperones and the operational requirements of the wards, ensuring that patient care and safety always remained the priority. Throughout the project, Make Consulting maintained clear communication with all stakeholders, regularly reviewing and updating the programme so that expectations remained aligned and works could continue efficiently.
The project was completed safely and achieved its primary objective of improving patient safety through the successful replacement of all 52 anti-barricade doors. Make Consulting’s proactive project management, close stakeholder coordination and responsive approach enabled the works to be delivered within a challenging occupied healthcare setting while maintaining continuity of clinical services. The experience gained has further strengthened our approach to planning and coordinating complex projects in occupied, high-risk environments, providing valuable lessons that will continue to benefit future healthcare projects.
