Infectious Diseases Ward Castle Hill Hospital

Hull

A new specialised ward at Castle Hill Hospital, Hull to treat patients with complex infectious diseases including tuberculosis, meningitis and other highly contagious viruses.

The Brief

The existing Infectious Diseases Ward at Castle Hill Hospital was over 20 years old. Housed in a single storey building linked to the main hospital, the original design was for a general ward rather than a specialist facility.

A reconfiguration to provide additional full isolation single bed suites was required along with refurbishments and upgrades, to support the diverse team in the department to deliver specialist care.

The Design

Given that patients on the ward will be isolation, the interior design was important to create a less clinical environment. Whilst still complying with the relevant technical requirements, the team designed a scheme with a comfortable residential-style look and feel . A natural palette of materials was selected, with timber-effect flooring and splashes of warm colour.

Efficient ventilation systems were essential, both to ensure the comfort of patients and staff, and for helping to prevent the spread of infectious organisms. Additional areas for a ventilation plant stationed on the flat roof above the middle section of the building were configured. Access areas to the ceiling void and on to the roof were integrated in to the new design.

The air pressure between isolation rooms and adjoining areas, ensure pathogens do not spread from one area to another. Positive and negative air pressure facilities were put in place for each of the isolation rooms.

The Outcome

The fully refurbished and reconfigured single storey ward comprised:

One high security isolation room for dangerous diseases; with dual function as additional staff wash and change room, designated disposal room and isolated drainage.

Five isolation rooms with positive pressure lobbies and negative pressure ensuite facilities in accordance with HBN 04-01 supplement 1.

Six en-suite single bedrooms.

The new ward will provide an inspiring and modern healthcare envirornment with stakeholder led design. The new facilities will support the team of experts to deliver their highly specialist care and also provide a high quality training environment for juinor doctors.