A major milestone has been reached in an extensive programme of improvements at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary (ARI) being undertaken by Robertson Construction.

The refurbishment of the Pink Zone Building (previously known as Phase Two building), which lies in the heart of the Foresterhill Health Campus, has reached the half way mark.

The building is being refurbished in four sections, two of which are now complete. The second stage included the reinstatement of an operating theatre suite on the ground floor of the building.

Although the work is focussed on Back Log Maintenance (BLM) works such as, asbestos removal and improvements to the overall fire strategy, NHS Grampian is taking every opportunity to improve facilities and services in the building at the same time.

Robertson is delivering the project as part of NHS Grampian’s £38 million refurbishment and risk reduction programme. Projects have already included the refurbishment of Clinics F & G the in Purple Zone along with the creation of new theatres at ARI and Woodend Hospital to help deliver waiting time improvement targets. The East End Two building and Rotunda areas have also benefited from refurbishment work.

Most recently, the construction of a new aseptic suite has commenced. This facility will be constructed to meet the new building standards for the preparation of medication on site and will allow for continued timely delivery to meet the specific needs of patients.

This refurbishment programme and tackling of critical BLM works is also central to the implementation of NHS Grampian’s 10 year master plan, which will allow these clinical buildings to operate for an additional 10 year plus, until replacement plans are developed.

Keith Taylor, regional managing director of Robertson Eastern, said: “We’re very pleased to have reached this milestone with NHS Grampian in what is a very important project. The maintenance work to remove asbestos and enhance fire protection to the walls and floors of the building meant it was the ideal time to make other improvements to modernise the hospital at the same time.

“It’s a complex project and working in a live hospital brings with it a number of challenges for our team. First and foremost is patient care and experience as well as stringent infection control which will prevent contaminants, such as dust, from spreading into clinical areas. Logistics, access, noise and vibration have also been carefully controlled to ensure as little disruption to patients as possible.

“We have now begun work on the next section of improvements. Ultimately this work should leave the hospital well equipped to offer excellent levels of care to patients across the region.”

Louise McKessock, clinical support manager, said: “The Robertson team have been helpful partners as we work to ensure Aberdeen Royal Infirmary is truly fit to provide 21st Century healthcare. Completing all elements of the project while keeping the hospital operational is challenging but Robertson have worked hard to minimise the disruption. Patients and staff alike have certainly noticed the difference they have made in the areas already completed.”

The third section of work will focus on improvements on levels six and seven, including the development of a new integrated high dependency unit which is due for completion by February 2017. The work is being managed in a staged approach so as to prevent any disruption to service provision.