Designing a bespoke minor procedures theatre with potential future development in mind

About the project

IN2 was commissioned to design a new minor procedures theatre including all ancillary spaces. The new theatre is contained within a new build extension to the existing building. IN2’s design had to take into account the possibility of a further phase of the project, to include a second minor procedures theatre.

IN2’s design incorporated an Ultra Clean Ventilation (UCV) installation consisting of an innovative bespoke canopy design incorporating a downward laminar flow diffuser. The predicted performance of the UCV system was assessed utilising Computational Fluid Dynamics. The CFD analysis enabled the visualisation of the airflow characteristics and shaped the design of modern, low energy, fully compliant (with HTMs) operating theatre. This approach enabled the introduction of flexibility to schedule their operating theatre for specific surgical procedures.

A new energy generation plant was designed to enable heat to be supplied back to the existing building. Heat within clinical areas was provided by radiant panels due to their low surface temperature and for infection control. Non-clinical areas were naturally ventilated, thus improving energy consumption.

The complete water services installations were designed in accordance with HTM 04-01 and the HSE Legionella policy 2011. By modulating and controlling the flow of water to each area based on the return water temperature, hot water services systems were maintained at a temperature adequate to control the growth of Legionella and Pseudomonas.

The specialist Medical services design included a Central Medical gas network including O2, medical air, vacuum, NO2 and gas scavenger system in accordance with HTM 02-01 “Medical Gases Pipeline Systems”. IN2 specified an adjustable medical pendant, located over the operating table, supplied with the following medical gases: MA4, SA7, vacuum, oxygen and Anaesthetic Gas Scavenging System (AGSS) and incorporated 100,000 lux lighting. The medical pendant features an AV link to an adjacent teaching suite to enable students to observe operations in progress.

A Patient Management / Entertainment System incorporating nurse calls was included in the final design. This system allows nursing staff to call up a patient’s records on screen, enables the patient to watch television channels or movies, and ensures the patient can alert the nursing staff if necessary.