Construction in hospital settings throws up unique challenges that no responsible contractor can overlook. From preventing disruption to lifesaving operations to minimising noise and dust for patients, staff and visitors alike – the scope for complaints, fines and negative publicity is significant.
Thankfully, Echo Barrier’s series of award-winning acoustic solutions can be the perfect solution.
What is the problem?
The need for new hospitals continues to make national news headlines. As does the need to extend existing ones across the country.
But while the country needs new hospital beds – and fast – the speed of construction could easily be ground to a halt due to noise.
The government announced a new £20bn package of investment in hospital infrastructure in 2024 – committing to build 40 new hospitals by 2030. These include new buildings on existing, active hospital sites.
Work on some of these has already begun – including West Suffolk Hospital in Bury St Edmunds, where the NHS trust’s chief executive had to warn patients and local residents alike about the impact noise may have.
Carrying out construction work in active workplaces is always a tricky task – but none more so than in hospitals where it is imperative to keep patients safe and prevent disruption to lifesavers working on the wards.
Failure to conduct your work safely could quickly see your work shutdown altogether and cause a media crisis. And failure to include a well detailed noise mitigation plan when tendering for work could see you never secure a lucrative contract.
How can Echo Barrier help?
Echo Barrier are the market leaders for noise abatement – especially when it comes to construction.
All our barriers are designed to be easily hung on existing site fencing, providing up to 99% noise reduction at certain frequencies.
It is important to note acoustic barriers cannot be used inside active hospital buildings due to strict NHS guidelines.
They can however be used effectively outdoors where new buildings are being constructed to create a perimeter surrounding external operations – protecting those in the vicinity from both noise and dust.
They are also designed to be used all year round, from temperatures between -40C and 70C – and whatever the weather.
Offering such effective noise abatement also opens the opportunity for work to be carried out outside of restrictive hours and speed up the construction process.
Visit our products page or contact us today to learn more.