CLIENT: Health Service Executive
LOCATION: Merlin Park Hospital, Galway
AREA: 1,200 m²
VALUE: €6.7m
COMPLETION DATE: 2022
Lawlor Burns & Associates provided comprehensive Quantity Surveying services for the construction of a new two-storey extension at Merlin Park University Hospital, Galway. This 1,140 m² expansion was specifically designed to accommodate two new state-of-the-art orthopaedic theatres, along with patient recovery bays and essential support accommodation. The new extension was seamlessly integrated with the existing hospital, with a link corridor connecting the two buildings.
KEY FEATURES:
The primary objective of this extension was to enhance the hospital’s capacity to deliver orthopaedic surgeries by providing modern, fully equipped operating theatres. The two theatres were designed to support complex orthopaedic procedures, offering advanced facilities to improve patient outcomes. In addition to the theatres, the development includes recovery bays designed to ensure patient safety and comfort following surgery, as well as staff accommodation to optimise efficiency.
An enclosed plant room is situated on part of the ground floor, providing essential mechanical, electrical, and HVAC services. A dedicated generator and gas store are located externally to support the operational needs of the new theatres. The site development also included the formation of disabled car parking, an entrance ramp, and general signage to improve accessibility for patients and visitors.
CHALLENGES & CONSIDERATIONS:
One of the major challenges of the project was maintaining full operation of the existing hospital throughout the construction process. Lawlor Burns & Associates worked closely with all parties to ensure minimal disruption to the hospital’s daily operations. We carefully coordinated the construction schedule, ensuring that critical healthcare services continued uninterrupted.
The project was procured and administered under the GCC (General Conditions of Contract) form of contract, and our team provided cost management services at every stage of the project, from initial budgeting through to final accounts.
PROJECT MANAGEMENT & COST CONTROL:
Our role as Quantity Surveyors involved detailed cost planning, management, and monitoring. We worked to ensure that the project was delivered within budget and to the required specifications. Our services included preparing cost estimates, monitoring expenditure, managing procurement, and ensuring value for money at all stages.
We also facilitated the formation of a project plan that allowed the work to progress while maintaining safe working conditions and operational functionality within the existing hospital. Our expert team ensured that the project adhered to the Health Service Executive’s strict guidelines for healthcare construction, ensuring compliance with all regulatory and safety standards.
OUTCOME:
Completed in 2022, the orthopaedic theatres extension has significantly enhanced the surgical capacity of Merlin Park University Hospital. The addition of two modern operating theatres and associated facilities supports the hospital’s ongoing commitment to providing high-quality care and improving patient outcomes for the Galway region.
