Leading national engineering specialist, SES Engineering Services (SES) has supported the fight against the coronavirus recently supporting with the installation of mechanical and electrical (M&E) services at the new 460-bed NHS Nightingale Hospital North East in Sunderland.

SES galvanised a team that would pull out all the stops to deliver the emergency scheme to support hospitals from across the region in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, against an incredibly challenging time frame.

Working simultaneously alongside the main contractor, to convert the empty 9000m2 unit, the team which included operatives from SES, Geoffrey Robinson Ltd, Medi-Plumb, Hadrian Air Conditioning, Phillips Commissioning, Aggreko – Generator Supplies, Integrated Utility Services, ACS and Bender UPS as well as Solo Blinds, worked double shifts with 190 people on site at any one time. Stringent safety precautions were adhered to at all times.

Overall, the team installed 48 kilometres of cable – 400 football pitches placed end to end – 12,000m of copper pipework and 2,500m of ventilation ductwork along with 920 oxygen outlets – vital for nursing patients with the associated respiratory symptoms.

Expressing her gratitude Dame Jackie Daniel, Chief Executive of Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said:

“This new NHS Nightingale Hospital will provide extra, specialist capacity to care for coronavirus patients from across the North East and North Cumbria, should the NHS need it.

“Completing this facility in a matter of weeks is a huge testimony to the power of pulling together to achieve a joint goal and all partners involved – from the NHS, construction contractors and partner organisations – have worked tirelessly to achieve this.  My gratitude and thanks go to everyone involved.

“Health and care staff, and people in local communities across the region, can be reassured there will be additional beds for specialist care if it is needed.”

Dame Jackie Daniel
Chief Executive, Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust