Client Canterbury District Health Board

Completed December 2020

Location Christchurch

Scope & Scale

The Assessment, Treatment and Rehabilitation (AT&R) secure facility is purpose built to care for people with intellectual disabilities and significantly challenging behaviour.

The current AT&R building was not designed to meet the secure standards required to meet the clinical needs of the current consumer population, so the new four-bed high care assessment (HCA) facility has been designed as a functional additional footprint (590m2) that is connected to the existing. The new HCA has a series of separate lounges and ensuites formed in a ‘pod’ set up to create low stimulus, self-contained spaces.

As a secure facility, the build is constructed of robust materials, including concrete masonry, cement-based panels, specialist custodial doors and windows, and a long run trapezoidal profile roof.

Performance

HRS were awarded this project after successful ROI and closed tender procurement. This project adds to the increasing portfolio of work for CDHB.

The radial design (chosen for operational performance) presented numerous challenges to build and limited space for service installations. These were managed through regular stakeholder meetings with the client/consultant, and coordination meetings with subcontractors to ensure all had a full understanding of the detail and interfaces.  The functional purpose also required attention to detail to create anti-ligature environments.

Disruptive management was critical – regular communication and dialogue with staff of the existing AT&R reduced interruptions and provided updates on construction impact.

Programme: Extended due to COVID19 Alert level lockdowns (extension of time) and significant variations.

Health & Safety: Favourable external audit results (over 95%). No lost time injuries. COVID19 Safety Protocols employed when work resumed following lift of Alert Level lockdowns.

Budget: Achieved plus approved variations