Princess Royal Hospital, Haywards Heath
MRI Scanner Installation at the Hospital: Mains Intake and Distribution Works
Bradbury Electrical was appointed to carry out the critical installation of a new Mains Intake distribution and sub-main wiring for a new MRI scanner at a hospital. This project was particularly sensitive due to the essential nature of the hospital's services, the scale of the electrical work required, and the unique challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The hospital remained occupied throughout the works, meaning that the electrical installation had to be completed with minimal disruption to the ongoing healthcare operations.
The project involved installing the necessary electrical infrastructure to support the high power requirements of the new MRI scanner. MRI machines require a stable and robust power supply, so this upgrade was crucial for the successful operation of the medical equipment.
Bradbury Electrical’s Role in the MRI Scanner Installation
Bradbury Electrical’s role in the project included a full electrical installation package for the new MRI scanner, covering both high-power distribution and essential sub-main wiring to ensure the scanner received a reliable and continuous supply of power. The scope of work involved:
1. Mains Intake Distribution:
Purpose: The new MRI scanner required a substantial amount of electrical power. The mains intake distribution system had to be upgraded to ensure that the hospital’s incoming power supply could handle the additional load without compromising the stability of existing services.
Implementation: Bradbury Electrical upgraded the mains intake system to include a larger, more robust supply, capable of supporting both the MRI scanner and other hospital equipment. The new system was designed to be compliant with hospital standards for electrical safety, ensuring it could meet the high electrical demand and the sensitive nature of medical equipment.
2. Sub-Main Wiring:
Purpose: The sub-main wiring was necessary to distribute the power from the mains intake to the MRI scanner’s dedicated power feed. This distribution had to be planned meticulously to ensure proper load balancing and safety.
Implementation: Bradbury Electrical carried out the installation of the sub-main wiring that would channel the electrical power from the upgraded mains intake system to the MRI scanner's dedicated supply. This included high-quality cable installation, ensuring that the power could be delivered safely and reliably to the MRI machine, which has strict power requirements due to its size and the precision of the equipment.
3. Electrical Compliance and Safety:
Purpose: Given the hospital environment and the critical nature of MRI operations, the work had to meet the highest standards of electrical safety. Compliance with relevant electrical codes, as well as hospital-specific regulations, was paramount.
Implementation: Bradbury Electrical ensured that all wiring, installation methods, and equipment were compliant with National Health Service (NHS) safety standards and electrical regulations. This included the use of certified materials, correct installation techniques, and the necessary testing and verification of electrical systems to ensure safe and reliable operation of the MRI scanner.
Challenges Faced During the Project
Access Restrictions Due to Ongoing Healthcare Operations:
The hospital remained fully operational throughout the installation, meaning access to certain areas was limited or heavily restricted. This was particularly challenging given that the work had to be carried out in close proximity to sensitive hospital areas such as operating rooms, emergency departments, and patient wards.
Solution: Bradbury Electrical worked closely with the hospital's facilities management team to plan and coordinate the works, ensuring that access was available during designated times while avoiding interference with hospital services. The team also adhered to strict protocols to maintain safety and minimize disruptions to patients and medical staff.
Working During COVID-19:
The COVID-19 pandemic brought additional layers of complexity to the project. Social distancing measures, stringent health and safety protocols, and the need to protect both hospital staff and contractors required careful planning.
Solution: Bradbury Electrical adapted by adopting flexible working hours and scheduling, often working outside regular hours to minimize overlap with hospital operations. The team took extra precautions, including wearing appropriate PPE (personal protective equipment), sanitizing work areas frequently, and ensuring social distancing protocols were followed at all times.
Tight Deadlines and Critical Timing:
The MRI scanner installation was part of a broader hospital initiative to improve diagnostic services, which meant there were tight deadlines for completion. Delays in the electrical installation could have affected the commissioning of the MRI machine, thereby impacting patient care.
Solution: Bradbury Electrical prioritized the project, deploying a dedicated team to work efficiently and meet the required timelines. The team coordinated closely with the hospital’s project managers to ensure that the installation proceeded smoothly without delay. Additionally, all testing and commissioning of the electrical systems were carried out promptly, allowing the MRI scanner to be brought online on schedule.
Coordination with Other Contractors:
As is often the case with hospital upgrades, there were other contractors involved in the installation of the MRI machine, such as those working on mechanical systems, medical gas supply, and the physical installation of the MRI scanner itself.
Solution: Bradbury Electrical maintained clear and consistent communication with these contractors to ensure that all systems were properly integrated and that work could proceed without conflicts. This collaboration ensured the successful installation and commissioning of the MRI scanner.
Outcome
Despite the challenges posed by COVID-19 and the operational constraints of working in an occupied hospital, Bradbury Electrical successfully completed the installation of the new Mains Intake distribution and sub-main wiring to support the MRI scanner.
The upgraded electrical infrastructure now provides a stable and reliable power supply to the new MRI scanner, meeting the equipment’s stringent power requirements. This upgrade is critical for ensuring that the hospital can offer enhanced diagnostic services to patients, supporting the healthcare team in providing timely and accurate medical imaging.
Key Achievements
No disruption to hospital operations: By working outside of peak hours and coordinating closely with hospital staff, Bradbury Electrical ensured minimal disruption to patient care and hospital activities.
Timely completion despite challenges: The project was completed within the agreed timeframe, enabling the MRI scanner to be commissioned without delays.
Full compliance with health and safety standards: All work was carried out in full compliance with the relevant healthcare standards, ensuring both the safety of patients and the reliability of the electrical systems.
Successful collaboration: The team’s ability to coordinate with other contractors and hospital departments ensured a smooth, well-managed project.
The completion of this project is a testament to Bradbury Electrical's expertise in delivering complex electrical solutions under challenging circumstances. By overcoming access limitations and adhering to strict safety protocols, the team helped provide the hospital with the necessary infrastructure to support cutting-edge medical technology, enhancing the hospital’s diagnostic capabilities and ultimately benefiting patient care.
ELECTRICAL PACKAGE: £120k
Strip Out
Sub-main Distribution and Distribution Board Installation
Containment System
Small Power Installation
Mechanical Services Power Supplies
Medical Trunking System
Induction Loop