Ambulatory Cystic Fibrosis Unit Beaumont Hospital

The brief for this unit was to provide care and assessment to cystic fibrosis patients. Elements that generated the design were the need for a continuous looped track measuring 27m and a 9m straight track for patient assessment: and the existence of a courtyard with a protected tree that would provide calming light in this basement wing.

The refurbishment of the area provided six key patient therapy and treatment rooms overlooking the courtyard along with ancillary support areas. The accommodation was planned to generate the tracks required in the brief. Colour was used to designate the tracks and this colour scheme was used throughout the unit giving it an identity within the hospital.

Support areas include a waiting area, a physiotherapy area, consultants’ rooms, an interview room, meeting room and other patient and staff areas. A pressure cascade ventilation system was provided within the unit minimising the risk of cross infection between patients and ensuring a quick treatment room turnaround time.

The project was carried out within a live hospital environment requiring extensive coordination between the hospital and design team in advance of construction to agree a procedure of phasing and department decanting and further co-ordination on appointment of main contractor in order to minimise disruption to the adjacent departments.