Published date: 29 January 2021
Transformation of staff and patient cafe
East Cleveland Hospital, Saltburn by the Sea, South Tees
Background
Architect and surveyor: Gleeds Advisory Ltd
Construction: Vest Construction Ltd
NHSPS representatives: Steven Morris, Senior Construction Manager and Chris Oldcorn, Facilities Support Assistant
Challenge
The works were commissioned to transform the existing café area to provide a safe, welcoming outdoor area for staff to use at East Cleveland Hospital. There was also no access to an outdoor area which provided an opportunity to enable staff to get a break from work and improve their health and wellbeing.
Patients also use the canteen and the external area when they are able to get some fresh air and enjoy the views over the countryside.
Solution
We designed, commissioned, managed and provided funding for the project. We commissioned Gleeds Advisory Ltd to design, tender and manage the works on behalf of NHSPS.
We liaised with onsite staff and customers to ensure the project provided an ideal area for staff to enjoy their breaks and to give them space away from the working environment. We worked closely with staff to devise a plan to ensure the existing café and kitchen area remained operational throughout to provide food to the ward and a café services to visitors and staff.
Structural works were undertaken to knock down part of a wall to provide a bi-fold door to provide access to the outdoor paved area. We also made external alterations to the paving to ensure it is DDA compliant and provides safe access to the outdoor garden area for staff, patients and customers direct from the canteen. The works were completed by undertaking redecoration, providing new barrier matting and relocating the radiator
It was important to get the works complete as soon as possible to allow staff and patients easy access to the outdoor space and the amazing views. The works, which we fully funded, started in December 2020 and were completed in January 2021.
Impact
The updated space now provides easy access to the outdoor space and the beautiful countryside views for patients, staff and visitors to enjoy their coffee, lunch or a snack to give them a break from the hospital environment. The inside space has also been refreshed with new flooring and decoration.
The outdoor space will be extremely well used especially during the summer months.
Customer feedback
“I just wanted to comment on how lovely the restaurant is looking and how positive following COVID this will be for both the staff and patients to use.”
Heather Collins, Ward Manager, Tocketts Ward, East Cleveland Hospital
