Supporting the growth of specialist healthcare services
NG Bailey supported the delivery of a major expansion at the NHS Golden Jubilee National Hospital, working with Kier Construction to increase capacity across key clinical specialities including ophthalmology, orthopaedics, diagnostics and general surgery.
The development brings together a new eye centre and wider surgical facilities, providing a high-quality clinical environment designed to meet growing patient demand. The facility includes multiple operating theatres, integrated outpatient departments, consultation and examination rooms, optometry and diagnostics, pharmacy services and associated support spaces.
When fully operational, the expanded facility significantly increases treatment capacity, including the ability to deliver up to 21,000 cataract procedures annually, supporting faster access to specialist care across Scotland.
Delivering complex building services for specialist clinical environments
NG Bailey delivered a full range of mechanical, electrical and public health services across the development, supporting both surgical and outpatient functions.
Scope included lighting, power, controls, fire and life safety systems, nurse call, security, lightning protection, voice and data infrastructure, domestic water services, ventilation, heating and chilled water systems, medical gases, UPS systems, insulation and drainage.
All systems were designed and installed in line with stringent healthcare standards, ensuring compliance with NHS requirements while supporting reliability, resilience and long-term maintainability in a critical clinical setting.
Using offsite manufacturing to enhance safety, quality and programme certainty
A Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA) approach was adopted to improve efficiency and reduce on-site risk. Key building services components were prefabricated at NG Bailey’s offsite manufacturing facility, including distribution boards, pipework spools, bracketry, valve assemblies and pump skids.
Manufacturing in a controlled environment improved quality assurance and reduced defects, while removing hot works from site and minimising installation time within clinical areas. The approach also reduced labour requirements, site congestion and travel, contributing to a safer and lower-carbon delivery model.
Maintaining operational continuity within a live hospital environment
Delivering the project within a live hospital presented significant challenges, requiring careful planning and coordination to ensure that existing critical services remained fully operational at all times.
NG Bailey worked closely with NHS Scotland’s technical advisory team to integrate new infrastructure seamlessly with existing systems, ensuring patient safety and uninterrupted clinical operations throughout the construction programme.
The use of BIM Level 2 modelling enabled real-time coordination across disciplines, allowing design changes, including user-led requirements such as additional power provision, to be incorporated efficiently without impacting programme delivery.
Collaborative delivery in a complex and evolving environment
Strong collaboration between NG Bailey, Kier and the wider supply chain was central to the project’s success, particularly in response to the challenges posed by COVID-19.
Flexible working practices and digital coordination tools ensured that programme milestones were maintained, while enabling safe working practices and effective communication across teams.
Creating social value through skills and local engagement
The project also delivered meaningful social value, supporting skills development and local employment.
NG Bailey recruited an apprentice dedicated to the project and provided work experience opportunities for local individuals, helping to develop practical skills and promote careers in engineering and construction.
