In July 2005, three modular building manufacturers were invited to tender for the contract to provide extensions on each of the wards. The tender put in by Portakabin offered high quality accommodation, in the shortest timeframe and at the best value. Portakabin was subsequently able to further reduce the timescale, and all three modular buildings were delivered on time, constructed on schedule and fitted out to meet the Trust’s requirements.

Adrian Matthews, responsible for co-ordination between the East Kent NHS and Social Care Partnership Trust’s Project Management Team, the Clinical and Support Services at St Martins Hospital, and the Estates Department said, ‘The timescale set for completion of this project was ambitious. The delivery of the completed modular extensions on time and within budget was a key ingredient to its success. The layout of the Portakabin buildings and the fitting out, matched the project specification perfectly. The modular extensions provide an excellent standard of accommodation, and patients, staff and visitors are universally delighted with the upgrade.’

This speed of delivery was in line with the unique Portakabin Customer Charter, which promises to deliver buildings on time and on budget. The Charter states that if Portakabin fails to deliver a project on time and to the agreed contract sum, the customer will be entitled to an additional six months product warranty.

This charter provided the Partnership Trust and its Project Management Team with a high degree of confidence that the ward extensions would be completed within the agreed timescale. The building also came with the unique warranty package, which includes a 20-year structural warranty and 5-year product warranty on the fixtures and fittings.

Each high quality extension supplied by Portakabin provides accommodation for 11 patients and associated facilities including a store and a drying room. An assisted shower/wet room has also been included. The Portakabin team worked closely with the Estates Project Design Team to ensure the building met all necessary requirements. Particular attention was given at the design stage to ensure adequate patient observation facilities for nurses and to meeting all DDA access requirements.

In addition, the Portakabin building has been linked to the main hospital to further enhance ease of use for patients.

Adrian continued, ‘The transition from the main hospital to the Portakabin building is seamless. Most of the staff and visitors have been unaware that they are inside a modular building. The new environment has dramatically improved the quality of life for patients. Overall the level of service we have received from the company has been excellent, with a consistent flow of timely information between us and the Portakabin team.’