Delivering resilient, future-ready energy infrastructure for a live acute healthcare environment
At the University Hospital of North Tees, maintaining continuous access to critical services is non-negotiable. Faced with aging infrastructure and increasing demand, the Trust required a new energy centre that could enhance resilience, increase capacity and support future development, without disrupting a live hospital environment.
NG Bailey was appointed as principal contractor to design, construct and integrate a new energy centre, delivering a fully modernised solution capable of supporting the hospital’s long-term operational needs.
The scheme forms part of a wider electrical infrastructure upgrade and includes new primary intake substations, transformers, generators, switchboards and a new steam generation plant, alongside hot and cold-water systems and associated infrastructure supporting CHP, gas and oil services.
Maintaining critical services without interruption
Delivering major infrastructure upgrades within a live acute hospital required meticulous planning and absolute operational control. All works were carefully phased to ensure zero disruption to 24/7 clinical services, with NG Bailey working closely with the Trust to manage risk and maintain continuity throughout.
A structured 6-week proving period was implemented following commissioning, allowing the new energy centre to be fully validated under live conditions before transitioning load from the existing infrastructure. This approach ensured a seamless switchover, giving the Trust full confidence before decommissioning the legacy system.
Offsite-led delivery reducing risk and accelerating installation
To minimise on-site activity and improve safety, NG Bailey deployed an extensive offsite manufacturing strategy.
Prefabricated plant skids, pipework modules and distribution systems were assembled and tested in controlled environments before delivery, transforming complex installations into efficient, repeatable processes on site.
Large-diameter pipework was delivered as pre-fabricated spools, significantly reducing hot works, while modular service tunnels enabled efficient integration between the new and existing energy centres.
A fully coordinated BIM approach supported delivery, with regular client engagement sessions enabling real-time design review, improved decision-making and full visibility of the evolving solution.
Building long-term resilience through engineering and collaboration
Close collaboration with the Trust and project partners ensured that all solutions were fully aligned with operational requirements, balancing performance, safety and long-term maintainability. Value engineering played a key role in optimising the solution, from improving boiler efficiency to rationalising system components, delivering both capital and operational benefits.
Designed for a 50-year operational life, the new energy centre provides a robust, future-proofed platform for the hospital, supporting critical services today while enabling flexibility for tomorrow’s healthcare demands.