Architect and Builder December 2016 | Page 65

future rooftop Helistop. The rationale being that a helistop is a required to meet the requirements for Level 1 Emergency Unit envisaged for the hospital. The helistop on the roof would link directly via a strategically positioned bed lift to the ground level Emergency Unit. The ‘shell’ design was developed in accordance with a height restriction imposed by town planning and to obviate any conflict with the harbour navigation leading lights situated on a bearing which transects the building. The landlord then decided to apply for and was granted an increase in the height restriction to provide for two additional storeys to maximise the potential development rights. This necessitated the appointment of PRDW who attended to the increase in height of the port navigation lights, which involved the erection of a new light tower positioned in the harbour as well as the increase of the port light fixed to the municipal building. This ensured that both port lights are visible to incoming ships for navigation of the very difficult port entry. The future helistop will be the first roof top helistop in South Africa to comply fully with international aviation standards, safety and design. The structure is designed to enable the landing of helicopters on the roof, restricted to a Class 1 helicopter up to the size of an Oryx helicopter, which will satisfy the need to accept emergency rescue directly from sea-going vessels. The facility cannot be operated as a helistop until full approval is granted by CAA and Cape Town Disaster Management and the target opening date for this, following installation of aviation lights and additional safety equipment, is August 2017. • Potential exists for the adjacent Chevron building to incorporate additional facilities – currently planned for this building is a Sub Acute facility, Day theatre and beds, ancillary medical services and consulting suites totalling 11,500m2. Special Design & Clinical Design Features • A pneumatic tube system was installed through-out the hospital to cater for pharmaceutical distribution. • Future expansion for the hospital was catered for by expanding the hospital into the top parking floor (designed to cater for clinical space). This generates ±6,000m2 of future space. • Further expansion space was allowed for in 4 x 500m2 pockets and other spaces not initially occupied on various floors. • On acquiring the Chevron building next to the hospital, the landlord was able to remove the set-backs allowed for in the new building for natural light to the Chevron building. These setbacks allow for further expansion of ±1,000m2. • Creation of a surgical centre of excellence by designing all theatres & ICU’s on one level. • Creation of a Cardiac centre of excellence by designing 2 x Cath Labs together with relevant wards and ICU’s on one floor with future expansion room for an additional Cath Lab. • Isolation rooms in SICU & PICU are provided with negative pressure and ante rooms to enhance infection control measures. Construction and ‘Integrated’ Programme The landlord commenced with construction in June 2013 and after extensive investigation and negotiations the integration or overlap of ‘shell’ and ‘fit out construction’ was agreed. The fit out construction started in July 2015 with completion of the hospital clinical areas in October 2016 and the medical suites following in November 2016. The hospital commissioning commenced in July 2016 and concluded in November 2016 with the opening date of the hospital set for 3 December 2016. Some Highlights • High ratio of Specialised Theatres, Cardio Catheterisation Laboratories & ICU beds. • First super specialised Greenfield hospital undertaken by Netcare. All doctors in hospital were involved in the design process. • The area is well provided with pedestrian ways and nearby public transport, with a MyCiti bus station part of the development. Christiaan Barnard 63