Hospital extension gets fast track construction with Metsec framing

A new £26M extension at the Ipswich Hospital NHS Trust has used 3,000m² of Metsec SFS site fixed, light gauge, galvanised steel framing as infill walling.

Derek Adams, Project Manager for principal contractor, Kier Eastern said: “SFS provides a much quicker turn around of construction and it allows follow on trades to start work on the first fix items earlier in the programme.

“But the biggest advantage is that while internal works are proceeding, the outer skin of the brickwork can continue independently without delaying them,” added Mr Adams.

The extension, known as the Garrett Anderson Centre, is the largest development at the hospital in 30 years and will provide a new accident and emergency department, critical care centre, day surgery suite and operating theatres and beds.

SFS was specified to provide a fast dry envelope to the treatment centre. Mostly 200mm sections were used to close in the structural columns of hot rolled steel to form a straight wall on the 7,500m² three-storey building.

The hospital extension is due to be complete by December and open in early 2008.