Portakabin Delivers Interim GP Surgery for 15,000 Patients in Just 15 Days to Help Flood-Hit Community of Cockermouth

A new GP surgery for Cockermouth, serving 15,000 patients, was delivered and completed by Portakabin in just 15 days following the Cumbrian floods.

The Portakabin rapid-response team installed the interim building for two Cockermouth GP surgeries after their buildings were destroyed in the flooding.  Working over a weekend and in adverse weather conditions, Portakabin Hire Division delivered and fitted out a 624 sqm two-storey building at Cockermouth Community Hospital as part of the major recovery and restoration plan.

The new purpose-designed facility has 21 consulting rooms, offices and patient waiting areas.  Despite site constraints and challenging ground conditions, this fast-track solution ensured both GP practices were up and running in their new facility as fast as possible.

Dr John Howarth, a Cockermouth GP and Clinical Director at NHS Cumbria, said, "The response from Portakabin and the whole property team following the floods was really outstanding.  The size of the building and the individual rooms has exceeded our expectations, and both staff and patients are really delighted with the new facility.  The fact that the building was delivered in just two weeks is really quite exceptional."

"The move to the new interim building has created much-needed extra space for our patients and has enabled the hospital to begin operating outpatient clinics again."

David Crellin, Property Manager at NHS Cumbria, said, "We recently used Portakabin to supply a modular building for Penrith Health Centre and so were confident in their ability, understanding of our needs, and resources to deliver this urgent project following the flood disaster.  Following the success of this project, Portakabin has since been awarded a further contract in the Seaton area of Cumbria."

Mike Williams, General Manager of Portakabin Hire Division, said, "Off-site construction really comes into its own in emergency situations and our team has done a tremendous job in helping to get Cockermouth and the surrounding areas up and running again following the flooding.  Our local Hire Centre pulled out all the stops to deliver this building to the most demanding timescale and working under difficult site conditions."

"We also provided several office buildings in Cumbria within 24 hours of the floods and one in just two hours, to businesses and public sector organisations including Cumbria Constabulary, Cumbria County Council and James Walker & Co, and Lawsons Haulage."

Portakabin also installed all data communications, the fire alarm system and furniture for the surgery building.

To see a video of the rapid building installation at Cockermouth Hospital and the finished surgery, click here www.portanews.co.uk/cockermouth.

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