Completion Date: 20/12/2024

R.D. Jukes acted as Principal Contractor for a major electrical infrastructure upgrade at Birmingham Women’s Hospital. The project involved the complete replacement and renewal of the site’s HV and LV electrical infrastructure, delivered within a fully operational acute clinical environment.

Our responsibilities included full site setup, project management, health & safety leadership, and coordination of electrical engineers and specialist contractors.

Scope of Works

Infrastructure Replacement

• Full replacement of the hospital’s main HV & LV infrastructure.
• Construction of a new HV/LV substation, rooftop switch rooms, and upgrades throughout the existing live building.
• Reconfiguration of the QEHB 11kV ring, including installation of new HV switchgear, transformers, cabling, jointing, and associated civil engineering works.

Builder’s Work & Structural Modifications

• Formation of a new electrical riser and switch cupboards.
• Creation of apertures and openings, installation of fire stopping systems.
• Modifications to raised access platforms on the Level 3 roof.
• Ceiling removal and reinstatement works to support new service routes.

Cable Containment & Distribution

• Installation of new cable containment systems throughout the live building and rooftop areas at Levels 3 & 6.
• Installation of bespoke bracketry and cable bridges connecting two buildings.
• Supply, installation, testing & commissioning of Main LV Switchboards, plus associated submains cabling.
• Alterations and extensions to existing cast resin LV busbar systems, including temporary diversions to maintain generator supplies.

Secondary & Local Distribution

• Installation of new secondary LV switchboards and automatic changeover panels with dual supplies.
• Replacement of split-metered distribution boards in newly constructed riser cupboards.

Ancillary Electrical Services

• Lighting, small power, and fire alarm installations serving outbuildings, switch rooms, risers, and equipment rooms.
• Earthing array installation for the HV/LV substation and new lightning protection systems.

Testing & Handover

• Full testing, labelling, installation of DB charts, and certification.
• Delivery of comprehensive as-fitted drawings and O&M documentation.

 

Working in a Live Hospital Environment

The project required meticulous planning and sensitivity due to the high‑risk, patient‑focused nature of the working environment. Works were delivered across several specialist departments, including:

• Birthing Centre
• Bereavement Centre
• Fertility Clinics
• Outpatient and consultation areas

Key challenges included:

• Core drilling on live staircases, requiring strict coordination to maintain safe access.
• Cable pulling through active corridors used continuously by patients and clinical staff.
• Close working proximity to the public, demanding professionalism and constant situational awareness.
• Installation of large containment systems in congested ceiling voids, often with strict cleanliness and infection control requirements.

 

To ensure patient safety and minimise disruption, we worked closely with:

• Ward managers
• Senior clinical leads
• The Infection Prevention & Control team

All works were pre‑planned, risk assessed and approved before commencement.

Where required, activities were undertaken out of hours to avoid impacting clinical operations.

The 24‑hour birthing centre required special flexibility: our team maintained real‑time communication with clinicians and were prepared to pause or alter activities instantly in response to patient needs.

 

Recognition for Excellence

During the project, our team received a formal “Learning from Excellence” commendation issued by a ward lead.

The incident highlighted one of our engineer’s actions during an emergency response situation:

“As the Delivery Suite and Neonatal Team rushed through the corridor, the RDJ engineers cleared the route immediately, assisted staff in moving emergency equipment, and safely stood his team down without hesitation. This was incredibly helpful and greatly appreciated.”

This recognition reflects the professionalism, respect, and safety‑first culture that guided our work throughout the project.

 

Outcome

The Birmingham Women’s Hospital project stands as a testament to our ability to deliver complex electrical engineering works in high‑sensitivity, fully operational clinical environments.

Through tailored planning, proactive communication, and close collaboration with healthcare professionals, we successfully upgraded the hospital’s critical infrastructure while maintaining:

• Patient safety
• Minimal disruption to clinical services
• Full compliance with infection control and hospital procedures

 

It was a privilege to support such an essential healthcare facility, and the positive feedback we received reinforces our commitment to excellence in both technical delivery and human‑centred working.