A significant phase in the ongoing upgrade of Faversham Cottage Hospital and Health Centre took place on a bustling Friday morning, marked by a coordinated series of crane lifts involving a 50-tonne mobile crane. The operation focused on the removal of aging air conditioning (AC) condenser units from the facility’s rooftop, making way for the installation of six brand-new condenser units and two hybrid branch controller units. These crucial installations form part of a broader effort to modernise the hospital’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems.
The upgrade project centres around the installation of a new Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) system, which will enhance energy efficiency and climate control across the facility. Alongside the new VRF system, the works package includes the replacement of the hospital’s boiler systems and the installation of updated domestic cold water services. These improvements are designed to support both patient comfort and operational efficiency well into the future.
What makes this project particularly impressive is that all work is being delivered while ensuring the continued operation of vital healthcare services. The Faversham Cottage Hospital remains a bedded facility, providing essential care for inpatients, while the Health Centre continues to operate an extended outpatient service. Maintaining uninterrupted services in such a critical setting requires careful planning, collaboration, and flexibility from all parties involved.
Leading the design and coordination of the works is Oander, serving as the Lead Consultant on the project. Oander brings a wealth of experience in delivering complex building services projects within healthcare environments, where safety, cleanliness, and continuity of service are paramount. Their role includes managing design compliance, coordinating with stakeholders, and ensuring that the project adheres to strict programme timelines and regulatory requirements.
Working closely with Oander is the Principal Contractor, Primech Building Services. Primech is responsible for the physical delivery of the project on site, including all mechanical and electrical installations. Their expertise in managing technically challenging upgrades within live environments has been crucial to the smooth execution of the works to date.
The project is being delivered on behalf of NHS Property Services, the government-owned company responsible for managing and developing the NHS estate in England. By investing in infrastructure upgrades such as this one, NHS Property Services ensures that facilities remain fit-for-purpose, resilient, and aligned with modern healthcare delivery standards.
This upgrade represents a proactive investment in the long-term sustainability and performance of Faversham Cottage Hospital and Health Centre. It also highlights the importance of collaboration across consultants, contractors, and NHS stakeholders in delivering high-quality infrastructure improvements without compromising patient care. With the crane lifts complete and the major equipment now in place, the project moves into its next phase — continuing to improve the healthcare environment for patients and staff alike.
