HJOB design + build project delivers flagship dementia care facility in Millisle…
Hugh J. O’Boyle Ltd (HJOB) was appointed as main contractor to undertake the design + build of the 64-bed, state-of-the-art Copelands Care Home in Millisle, Co Down.
Declan McCormick, Managing Director for HJOB said, “This specialised care facility was constructed to provide a relaxing environment – a home from home – in a stunning coastal setting caring for residents with dementia.”
Works included traditional build construction with residential areas completed to a high specification throughout with ensuite bathrooms, fully fitted specialist kitchen and dining areas. Enriched living accommodation also provides a cinema room, hair and beauty spa room, a reflection and worship space and the ‘Sunshine Room’ which hosts hobbies, arts and crafts activities and has direct access to the rooftop patio area.
Outdoor spaces were created with landscaped areas, seating and paths, allowing residents the space for light exercise, gardening, socialising or simply just relaxing in the fresh air.
The full scope of works included: extensive site clearance and earthworks; traditional build construction; residential living areas completed to high specification; head office area – reception area, toilet facilities and staff break room; full decorative finish; installation of curtain walling; hard and soft landscaping – retaining of existing trees and hedges; M&E installation and maintenance; fire protection works; associated siteworks – carparking, bitmac surfacing, street lighting and utility service installations.
Challenges
HJOB is used to handling challenges met within construction and meet these head on and deal with them efficiently. “During delivery of this contract, we, like all others, faced the Covid pandemic, which adversely affected progress on site and created major problems with supply chain and staffing due to levels of illness over the period of works,” said Declan. “Strict government guidelines were enforced on site to allow the continuation and delivery of works to make completion, much to the immense satisfaction of our client.”
In consideration of the special needs of the residents with dementia, HJOB developed a smart technology system, in conjunction with the client. “It incorporates nurse call systems and is linked with floor and bed sensors in all bedrooms, offering an excellent system to enable better management and care of our client’s residents.”
Declan was full of praise for its supply chain. “Over many years we have created excellent working relationships with our loyal supply chain. From the outset of the Copeland’s project, we established early engagement with the whole project team and encouraged collaborative working to ensure deadlines were met and works completed to the highest standards. This was not without its challenges as we navigated through a global health pandemic, which impacted on material lead-times and the availability of labour. However, our supply chain delivered, and we successfully brought the scheme to completion.”
Commenting on the completed build, Declan said, “This project ranks highly as one of the most impressive schemes we have completed. Knowing we have successfully provided a safe and comfortable environment in a stunning location to allow our client to care for residents with all stages of dementia makes the hard work put in by our whole project team truly worthwhile. We are delighted with the end result.”
For the full feature on Copelands Nursing home, see issue 33-5 of Northern Builder here.
