Mater Theatre Upgrade

Premis has over 15 years’ experience delivering projects in “live” environments, such as the one recently completed for the Mater Private Hospital.

Our ability to deliver on our clients’ needs within these environments is what we believe truly sets us apart. This project involved detailed programming and high-level communication with hospital staff and key stakeholders, which ultimately led to a successful outcome.

Premis was initially engaged to assist with the design process of a six-theatre complex upgrade on level 7. The team worked with the client, architect, services engineers, and end-user groups in an Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) arrangement to provide buildability advice on the proposed scope of works.

On completion of the design stage, Premis was formally appointed as the Managing Contractor, based on the team’s expertise in live hospital environments and their capability and capacity to meet the tight timeframes.

Construction commenced just prior to Christmas in 2020, and involved the full refurbishment of six theatres. To meet the challenging timeline, the Premis team implemented a two-team approach with staff working two shifts across the day from 5am to 11pm, seven days a week.

Works included the removal and replacement of the existing electrical and medical gases services – upgrades to the existing mechanical, hydraulic, nurse call, fire and security system – new ceilings and radiation shielding were provided with new lead lined wall cladding to partitions, new door frames and doors – theatres, prep rooms, and utility space walls were then finished in Whiterock cladding, with new vinyl flooring laid throughout providing a durable finish. The specific vinyl flooring was chosen due to its ability to be laid over the existing vinyl without the need for removal and preparation. This reduced time and minimised contaminant exposure, which is a high priority in a clinical environment!

In respect to the mechanical system upgrade, new plant and ductwork were fitted to theatre 1 with new HEPA filters installed throughout. The electrical upgrade provides UPS power supply, new surgical lighting to theatres, and new LED lighting throughout the complex.

One of the main challenges the Premis team faced during the project works was the program timeframe and the time of year, being Christmas – it is probably one of the most challenging times of the year for the construction industry, with many suppliers closing their doors to enjoy the break!

Other challenges included adherence to daily infection control (the hospital’s ICU was located on the same floor), and that all construction needed to take place while the southern end of the floor remained operational. The project required a major shutdown of power services and the hospital’s medical gas system, with lifts out of action until after 2.30pm each day.

Result is a happy client. Mission accomplished!