With growing demand on the UK’s healthcare facilities, the need for expert-led hospital refurbishment—particularly in live environments—is more important than ever. At Arcas Building Solutions, our experience enables us to deliver complex, high-stakes projects without disrupting critical day-to-day operations.

One such example is our 2017 fit-out project at the Northumbria Specialist Emergency Care Hospital in Cramlington. Though delivered several years ago, it remains a benchmark for how our team tackles technically demanding hospital environments while maintaining quality, compliance, and continuity of care.

Working in a Live Healthcare Setting

Opened in 2015, the Northumbria Specialist Emergency Care Hospital is a central hub for emergency care across the region. When Arcas was appointed in 2017, the brief involved converting two ground-floor voids into operational clinical and support spaces—all within just 12 weeks, and without interrupting the hospital’s service.

As a North East construction company with a proven track record in healthcare settings, we approached this project with meticulous planning and sensitivity.

A Specialist Hospital Refurbishment Project

Our work included the full fit-out of the following spaces:

  • Occupational Health Room
  • Equipment Library
  • Equipment Washroom
  • Clinical Coding & Admin Room
  • Galley Kitchen and Break-Out Area
  • Switchgear Room
  • Storage Room

This hospital refurbishment involved creating high-quality clinical environments and essential staff spaces. For example, the occupational health area now includes treatment rooms and a lab, while the second void was transformed into a welcoming break-out area with hot desks and kitchen facilities.

To maintain hygiene standards, we implemented strict infection control measures such as sticky mats, door screens, and daily deep cleaning. Deliveries were scheduled well in advance to minimise impact on hospital operations.

Technical Collaboration and Precision

A standout aspect of the project was the specialist electrical installation, carried out in partnership with Balfour Beatty Kilpatrick. Designed and installed with absolute precision, this system ensured full compliance with healthcare regulations and added long-term value to the Trust’s infrastructure.

This is where being an experienced North East construction company made all the difference—we were able to combine local knowledge with national standards to ensure smooth execution from start to finish.

Hospital Refurbishment Without Disruption

Successfully delivering a hospital refurbishment in a live setting requires coordination, flexibility, and a deep understanding of healthcare environments. Thanks to our team’s expertise, and our prior work at the same hospital, we kept disruption to an absolute minimum while still meeting tight deadlines and high-quality expectations.

A Lasting Impact

Delivered under Northumbria Healthcare Facilities Management (NHFM), the project supported the Trust’s broader strategy at the time, which included reallocation of A&E services to the Cramlington site.

Today, the transformed spaces continue to support both staff and patient needs, improving clinical efficiency, staff wellbeing, and overall service delivery.

 

Looking Forward

Our work at Northumbria Specialist Emergency Care Hospital remains a proud example of what Arcas can achieve in sensitive environments. It continues to inform how we plan and deliver similar projects today.

If you’re seeking a trusted partner in hospital refurbishment or live environment construction, get in touch to discuss how we can support your next project.