It’s tool time at Burwood Hospital

It’s tool time at Burwood Hospital

Work on the new healthcare facilities at Burwood Hospital is reaching a peak, with up to 500 contractors now on site every day.

Each Thursday, a mass toolbox talk is run by Main Contractors Leighs Cockram JV to brief all workers on any current issues, health and safety and upcoming work plans.

Danny Tessier, Project Director for Leighs Cockram JV says with around 500 contractors on the job each day, it’s more of a town square gathering rather than a quick chat around a toolbox.

The weekly Burwood toolbox talk is now one of the largest being run across Christchurch’s rebuild and worker safety is first priority.

“We encourage safety to be everyone’s responsibility,” Danny says.

“With such a large project and many work areas, the toolbox talks are a chance for everyone to be informed on what is happening around the whole site, not just their work area.”

Bryan Spinks, Project Director for Proj-X Solutions on behalf of the Ministry of Health, says the weekly catch-ups are invaluable.

“The larger the number of people on site, the greater the need for clear communication and direction for everyone involved in the project,” Bryan says.

“With a range of trades and subbies now working on the interiors of the ward areas, careful phasing and scheduling is key to ensure things are done in the right order and in the right area – clarity, coordination and cooperation are essential to keep things on track.”

It’s gearing up to be a busy summer at the hospital, as the new facilities are due to be completed in the middle of 2016. When finished, the hospital will have been transformed to include 230 inpatient beds as well as the ability to manage 80,000 outpatient visits each year.

The hospital will also feature:

• a new “front of house” area including a new main entrance, café and reception.

• an extended radiology department.

• a new wing for psychiatric services for the elderly.

• a new “back of house” area comprising a new hospital kitchen, clean and dirty loading docks, supply and distribution area and the plant to support these areas.

• a new environmentally friendly boiler house that runs on wood waste.

• large car parking areas for staff, patients and visitors.

• landscaped grounds and new signage.

ENDS

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