Currently on site and due for completion October 2015, the new £13.5m radiotherapy facility is a satellite to the Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre in Glasgow. The 2 storey new build facility providing 3 radiotherapy treatment bunkers, a CT suite, planning / on-treatment review, medical physics services and associated administrative functions is located within the grounds of Monklands Hospital in Airdrie and will be operated clinically by NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde staff from the existing Beatson and maintained by NHS Lanarkshire. The facility is in very close proximity to the existing live Outpatients and Day Surgery departments at Monklands, with the site also bounded by the existing blue light access route to A & E.
This project, procured through Frameworks Scotland and under the NEC3 form of contract, follows the successful delivery of the first 2 phases of the North East Radiotherapy Centre in Grampian, also delivered under Frameworks Scotland. Laing O’Rourke (LOR) have been able to demonstrate continuity of the Consultants / LOR team from the Grampian schemes, together with lessons learned in order to achieve success with this project.
In order to comply with the client’s Radiation Protection Advisor’s requirements, the bunkers are cast in-situ with the primary shielding walls completed in magnetite concrete. This has had the benefit of both significantly reducing the thickness of the primary walls as well as negating the requirement for neutron shielding.
The frame comprises pre-cast columns, lattice and twin wall from Explore with the main service runs completed in 6m multi-service modules. As well as programme, labour reduction and safety benefits this has assisted with site logistics in what is a very restricted construction site.