Projects to enhance the patient experience
We work with City Health Care Partnerships CIC (CHCP) to look after their planned and reactive maintenance, but we also do bespoke project work to help support and improve patient experience across their multiple care home, pharmacy and medical centre sites across Hull. From quick one-hour jobs to multi-month schemes, we always try to provide added value with every project. Here are a few examples of how we’ve worked at their sites to help them provide the best service for patients.
Creating a secure temporary pharmacy
Pharmacies are often housed in older buildings that aren’t necessarily purpose-built for pharmacy use. Refurbishment can create good facilities, but extensive work can’t be done while the pharmacist team are in situ.
When the busy Brocklehurst Pharmacy on Willerby Road was undergoing a full building refurbishment, they had to temporarily move out to a health centre around the corner. They moved into space that had previously been used for offices, but pharmacies have specific needs, both for operational and security purposes. We helped them move into the temporary space, installing shelving and cabinets, fixing drug storage securely to walls, and adding digital locks to keep the space secure.
Planning for minimal disruption
When conducting projects, we always have pre-start meetings with the on-site staff, so we can ensure we adapt around the way the healthcare buildings work, rather than them having to adapt around us.
For example, when we fitted a new lift in Alderson House Care Home, we worked closely with the care staff to ensure we could avoid disruption and keep residents safe. The care home has a high number of dementia patients who are easily disturbed by noise and change, and staff were able to advise us on the best times to bring in equipment, avoiding times like breakfast when people are out and about in the corridors. We were also able to liaise with them on the methods we’d use to protect the flooring in the building while work was going on, ensuring it still provided access for wheelchairs.
"I've been very impressed with Sewell FM. In the time I've worked at Alderson House they've not only maintained repairs, they have also been part of some of the projects to improve the care home too. The team is friendly and the work they've completed is well planned, and we were always kept fully informed."
Communication for future success
The on-site liaison process can also work after projects have been completed. When we fitted a new fire door at one care home, we noticed we were called back to fix it twice within a short space of time, after it had been damaged by trolleys hitting the door frame. Instead of just coming back to repeatedly fix the door, we researched new types of door protection and found a new frame with a roller, which pushes trolleys away and stops them damaging the door. By fitting these when new fire doors are needed, we can avoid damage happening in the first place.
For every project, we’re always looking at where we can add value, which comes from our close partnership with care home operational staff. Our successful partnership with CHCP comes from our staff anticipating the needs of their operational staff.
Reacting quickly
Not all of our project work for CHCP is planned in advance – often it can be reacting to emergencies and events.
One rehabilitation centre, which is a refurbished former church, had elaborate wrought iron fencing at the front of the building. When part of the fencing was stolen, we made a cast of the original finials and matched the fence pattern to replace it, having bespoke fencing made to match the remaining original fencing. We had the new fencing designed, cast and replaced in a month, and also put in theft deterrents to avoid the issue happening again.
Replacing with something better
When another care home had a kitchen fire, this was very disruptive. The care home was unable to prepare any food on site, and had to bring pre-prepared food in, costing more and reducing the variety of food they could serve. We were on site in less than a week, working to refurbish the entire kitchen, including new appliances, plumbing, flooring and white rock hygiene boards to the walls. In no time, the care home kitchen was signed off as compliant, and was better than ever before with upgraded equipment making the food preparation process more efficient.
Adding value at every point
For every project, we’re always looking at where we can add value, which comes from our close partnership with care home operational staff.
One care home often had garden parties for residents to encourage them to spend time outside. We fitted outdoor electric sockets so staff could plug in stereos and play music at the parties. Following on from this we have now installed a cabana base and patio for the residents to use in the summer months
When we were undertaking a project to upgrade to clinical handrails throughout three care homes, we saw an opportunity to both enhance the care home gardens and improve sustainability. We have taken the old wooden handrails, sanded and stained them, and put them together to create planters, saving them going to landfill and creating more interest for the homes’ gardens. Once all works are completed, we will deliver these to the homes
Pre-empting problems
Our successful partnership with CHCP comes from our staff anticipating the needs of their operational staff. Their staff know that every project we undertake will leave their site performing better, looking better and enhancing the experience of their patients.
