Varming Project wins 2023 ACEI Engineering Excellence Award

Varming Consulting Engineers has been awarded the 2023 ACEI  Engineering Excellence Award in the Mechanical and Electrical Medium Category for our outstanding work on the Merlin Park University Hospital: New Orthopaedic Theatre Block project.

The adjudicators’ Award Citation for the winning project reads:

A new theatre block comprising two, state-of-the-art, operating theatres, patient recovery beds, staff accommodation and ancillary spaces constructed over two levels. Commissioned by the HSE on a fast-track basis following water damage to existing facilities, the scheme includes 650m2 of space in a highly serviced healthcare building with provision for a future third theatre. Work took place in a live hospital environment where no interruption to services could be contemplated and where adherence to strict, medical safety standards was paramount. The consultant undertook a detailed feasibility study in order to identify the optimal construction methodology and enabling works.

The project involved the fast-track design and construction of a new Orthopaedic Operating Theatre Block consisting of two, state of the art, Orthopaedic Theatres, with patient recovery bays, staff accommodation and ancillary spaces constructed over two levels, with healthcare function at ground floor level and plant space overhead on the upper floor. Commissioned by the HSE on a fast-track basis following water damage to its existing facilities, the scheme includes 650m2 of space in a highly serviced healthcare building with provision for a future third theatre.

Work took place in a live hospital environment where there was no interruption to the existing services. Upgrades were undertaken, in advance of the main project, on the existing site infrastructure as enabling works to allow all the necessary tie-ins, upgrades and diversions to be carried out before the main project began. These advances works and forward planned, reduced the overall program length, minimising the project risks and eliminate any safety concerns. The design adhered to the highest patient safety requirements and to the most current Healthcare Standards & Guidelines.

Pictured here receiving the award in the Shelbourne Hotel are from left to right Arthur Ward (HSE West Estates), Deidre Killian (UCHG), Ian Pudney (Rhatigan Architects), Sean Neary (Varming), Peter Wyse (Varming), Joe Greene (Varming), Mary Keane (Merlin Park University Hospital)