Pharmacy Refurishment – Queen Elizabeth Hospital

Novus undertook the refurbishment of the Pharmacy Department at Queen Elizabeth (QE) Hospital in Birmingham to prepare the space for the delivery and installation of a new pharmacy robot. The project was delivered on a live hospital site, requiring careful coordination to minimise disruption, control dust and noise, and maintain patient safety. Early engagement with stakeholders, infection control teams, and departmental leads informed planning anad methodology to ensure smooth delivery.

Scope:
• Enabling works: Creation of a new temporary pharmacy in an existing storeroom, including workstations, power, and data connections to maintain pharmacyoperations during refurbishment.
• Mechanical, electrical, and fire safety works: Installation of a new air handling unit (AHU), ductwork with pressure testing, fire dampers, fire doors, frames, insulation, and fire compartmentation surveys.
• Finishes and commissioning: Ceiling grid and finish replacement, decorations, cleaning and flushing of new pipework, and support for commissioning of the new pharmacy robot.
• Building management system (BMS) integration: Updates and modifications to connect the refurbished space with the hospital’s BMS.

Successes:
• Delivered works in a live hospital environment with no disruption to patient care.
• Achieved infection control compliance and safety approvals before and during works.
• Enabled on-time commissioning of the new pharmacy robot, ensuring operational readiness.

Challenges:
• Managing noise, dust, and disruption controls in a sensitive clinical setting.
• Coordinating with multiple stakeholders and infection control teams to align needs.
• Delivering complex MEP and fire safety works within occupied, restricted spaces.