The Brief
Ideal Heat Solutions once again showcased its flexibility, agility and expertise when immediate temporary heating and hot water were needed across two London hospital wards during the first outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic.
A hospital in the London Borough of Redbridge required extra bed space during the initial wave of the virus. Hospital teams decided to utilise two disused wards to increase capacity. Although the areas have long been used as storage spaces, they have every so often assumed a more glamorous role in being the location for films and television series such as the BBC drama, Call the Midwife.
The Objective
Ideal Heat Solutions was contacted by its client on the morning of 25th March, just as the first wave of the virus was accelerating. Ideal Heat’s national sales manager headed to the hospital on the same day to complete full surveys of the two wards’ separate boiler rooms. As the rooms had been out of use, investment in boiler replacement was not an option; therefore temporary heat was the best course of action for this emergency.
Ideal Heat Solutions completed a survey, so the required enabling works would ensure the 200m heating hoses could connect the 500kW oil fired temporary boilers in each ward located 100m apart from the other. These containerised solutions are versatile, high performing and suitable for a multitude of projects including residential, healthcare and commercial developments, factories and refineries. They are delivered to site readily prepared and have a 92% fuel efficiency rating.
By day two, Ideal Heat had installed and commissioned the boilers – which were installed beside each ward outside – so they could be up-and-running immediately. The ability to survey same day and start works the following morning, along with delivering solutions to enable refuelling, meant the wards were ready to go in less than 48 hours of calling Ideal Heat.
On this project, the addition of Ideal Heat’s two 4500ltr fuel tanks would enable the temporary boilers to work reliably and efficiently throughout their intended use.
Ideal Heat
The Challenge
The main challenge was in terms of identifying an appropriate access route to fill the temporary boilers with fuel. In order to create the best access plan, Ideal Heat hired Trac Matts and secured them in place the morning of the installation. These huge matts provided a clear, safe avenue for the fuel delivery lorries to reach their location, and is a fine example of Ideal Heat’s ability to cover all bases during a temporary boiler installation.
Commenting on the social distancing challenges, Steve Warne National Sales Manager from Ideal Heat said: “We are delighted to have swiftly transformed two vacant wards into functional spaces for our NHS heroes to care for those in need. As an additional contingency measure, all of our plant and equipment were treated with a specialist antimicrobial micro-film, that after being treated, kills any present micro-organism and lasts for up to one year. We took every necessary precaution to protect our staff and customers, whilst retaining the high standard of service we pride ourselves on.”
“With the client thrilled with Ideal Heat Solutions’ prompt delivery and response, we have been assured they’ll never look anywhere else for temporary boilers in the UK.”