University Hospital, Lewisham

Client: Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust

Project: University Hospital, Lewisham–Paediatric A and E Department Refurbishment

Our Project Team: Leo Okocha and Joe Fitzgerald

Our Role: Contract Administrators, Quantity Surveyors, and Principal Designers

Project Summary

At Chawton Hill we have been supporting University Hospital Lewisham with specifying and managing the refurbishment of their Paediatric Accident and Emergency Department, helping to coordinate and manage works within a live clinical environment.

A key element of the project has involved developing a comprehensive approach to specifying the minor works required. This included producing a detailed photo-based schedule of works, enabling clinicians, operational teams and contractors to clearly understand the scope, location and sequencing of the proposed interventions. The visual approach has helped support engagement across the project team and ensured there is a shared understanding of the works being undertaken within the live department environment.

The method of detailing the works has also created a practical tool for monitoring progress and completion on site, allowing both the contractor team and Trust representatives to efficiently track delivery against the agreed scope as works progress. This approach has supported greater transparency throughout the project and improved quality assurance during delivery.

Working alongside Trust representatives Matt Collyer and Jess Haines, we developed and agreed the programme of works before negotiating costs and delivery schedules with R&B Refurbishment. A significant aspect of the project has involved detailed logistical planning, including the careful coordination of contractor movements and the safe management of materials entering and leaving the site. 

Delivering refurbishment works within a live paediatric A&E environment presents particular challenges. Throughout the programme, maintaining patient safety and minimising disruption to clinical operations remains a central priority, ensuring healthcare staff can continue delivering services effectively while construction activities progress.

Chawton Hill continues to support the Trust through the ongoing delivery of the Paediatric A&E refurbishment works, with discussions also underway regarding a similar programme of improvements within the Adult A&E Department.

“In complex healthcare environments, particularly within live emergency departments, it is essential that all stakeholders have absolute clarity on what is being delivered and how works will be managed operationally. The photo-based scheduling approach created a much more accessible and transparent way of specifying works, helping clinical teams, estates teams and contractors work collaboratively whilst also providing a clear mechanism for monitoring delivery and completion on site.”
— Jess Haines, Director of Development, Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust.

If you’re interested or need help with cost management, design or surveying on a primary healthcare project, feel free to get in touch with the Chawton Hill team today.