Refurbishment at Children’s Emergency Department (ED) at The Princess Alexandra Hospital
Refurbishment at Children’s Emergency Department (ED) at The Princess Alexandra Hospital
Opening ceremony photo
T&B Contractors Ltd has completed the refurbishment and remodelling of the Children’s Emergency Department at The Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow, delivering a modern, patient-focused healthcare environment designed to improve the experience of children, families and clinical teams.
This project was procured through the Refit and Refurbishment Framework which we manage on behalf of The Red Kite Learning Trust.
The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust, appointed T&B via a direct appointment under the Refit and Refurbishment framework, which is managed by Pagabo The £1.8m project involved the full internal refurbishment and reconfiguration of the existing department, including new mechanical and electrical services, acoustic partitions, specialist finishes and bespoke clinical facilities such as an enhanced Assessment Suite.
To celebrate the completion of the project, representatives from T&B, The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust and special guest, Saturday night TV star Ella-Mae Rayner, gathered to officially open the newly refurbished Children’s Emergency Department on 19 May 2026, ahead of the department welcoming patients into its improved facilities.
The completed facility transforms the existing footprint into a more efficient and clinically responsive environment, supporting improved patient flows, enhanced privacy and dignity for young patients, and better working conditions for healthcare professionals.
Creating a modern environment for paediatric healthcare
The refurbishment programme included extensive enabling works, with more than 100m² of internal partitions removed and reconfigured to create a new departmental layout tailored to the needs of children and their families.
New metal stud partitioning systems and acoustic wall linings were installed to improve privacy, infection prevention and patient comfort, while upgraded finishes, suspended ceilings and flooring systems have enhanced both the functionality and appearance of the department.
Bespoke fittings, furnishings and sanitary facilities were carefully selected to meet the specific operational and clinical requirements of a busy paediatric emergency care setting, creating a welcoming environment that supports high-quality care delivery.
Delivering within a live hospital environment
With the department located within a fully operational acute hospital, maintaining clinical continuity was a key project requirement throughout delivery.
Construction activities were carefully planned and coordinated with hospital stakeholders to minimise disruption to patients, staff and surrounding departments. Temporary mechanical services and medical gas provisions were implemented where required, ensuring uninterrupted healthcare services during the refurbishment works.
The project team applied proven healthcare construction methodologies, including robust infection prevention measures, controlled access arrangements, and noise and dust management strategies, enabling works to proceed safely within the live healthcare environment alongside good clear advanced communications to affected adjacent areas.
Robert Wishart, Managing Director for T&B, said:
“We are proud to have partnered with our longstanding client The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust to successfully deliver the Children’s Emergency Department scheme. Through close collaboration with all stakeholders, we have created a facility that not only meets current requirements but also provides long-term value for the Trust and the community.
“Throughout delivery, our focus remained on maintaining operational continuity for the neighbouring wards while achieving high standards of quality and safety. The completed project is a testament to the strong partnership between all parties involved and the shared commitment to continuously delivering much needed improvements across the hospital.”
Tom Burton, chief financial and infrastructure officer and deputy chief executive at The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust, said:
“Since opening in June, the refurbished Children’s Emergency Department has made a real difference to children, young people and their families. The modern, welcoming environment and improved layout are supporting smoother patient flow, greater privacy and dignity, and a better overall experience for those receiving care.
“It is also providing our clinical teams with facilities that better support them to deliver high-quality care. I would like to thank our staff, T&B and everyone involved in creating this transformative change for our young patients and their families.”
Tom Retallick, senior category manager – construction for Pagabo said:
“This project is a great example of how our Refit and Refurbishment Framework can support NHS trusts in delivering important improvements quickly, compliantly and with confidence. T&B has delivered a modern, patient-focused environment while managing the complexities of working within a live hospital setting. It’s fantastic to see the finished department already making a real difference to children, families and clinical teams at The Princess Alexandra Hospital.”
To find out more about the Refit and Refurbishment Framework, click here
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