28th June 2018

Bringing world-class care facilities to Colchester Hospital

Thomasons has been appointed alongside KLH Architects to add an additional floor and two-storey extension to the existing cancer treatment centre at Colchester Hospital.

Following a long fundraising campaign that started back in 2014 by the Colchester Hospitals Charity (CoHoc), building work for the new treatment centre is set to start later this year with expected completion in 2019.

The project carries significant risk as all work will be undertaken simultaneous to the regular running of the pre-existing radiotherapy unit. Meticulous planning is needed to minimise risk to patients and staff and disruption to the continued delivery of services on the ground floor. Careful consideration must also be given to the logistics of how the extension will be constructed and integrated into the existing structure, for example, to minimise the risk of water penetration, the shell of the addition will be constructed before the existing roof coverings are removed.

Steve McSorley, director at Thomasons, says: “This is our first project at Colchester Hospital. It has been a great experience to work with the project team and be part of the delivery of such an important facility for the people of Colchester and north Essex. Healthcare is one of the largest sectors we work in and quite possibly the most fulfilling as it makes a direct and positive impact on people’s lives, which is why many choose engineering as a career.”