Birmingham Women's & Children's Hospital

R.D. Jukes was appointed as Principal Contractor for Phase 3 of a major site-wide upgrade to the High Voltage (HV) and Low Voltage (LV) electrical infrastructure at Birmingham Women’s & Children’s Hospital.

The project involved significant upgrades to the hospital’s critical electrical infrastructure, including new HV switchgear, transformers, LV switchboards, distribution systems and associated cabling. Working within a live healthcare environment, the programme required extensive planning and coordination to enable new infrastructure to be installed, tested and connected while maintaining continuity of the essential hospital services.

Delivering a major HV and LV infrastructure upgrade within an operational hospital presented considerable technical and logistical challenges. Electrical shutdowns and connections to existing switchgear had to be carefully planned to minimise disruption, with the reliability and resilience of the hospital’s electrical supplies remaining critical throughout the programme.

The works also extended across existing electrical risers, switchrooms, rooftop areas and outbuildings, requiring detailed coordination of new installations with the buildings existing infrastructure. R.D. Jukes was responsible for developing the detailed programme of works, coordinating with the electricity network operator and managing the sequencing of installation, testing, commissioning and changeover activities.

Our Solution 

R.D. Jukes delivered a comprehensive programme of HV and LV infrastructure works, including liaison with WPD regarding the new HV supply and the design, supply and installation of HV switchgear, transformers, tripping batteries and associated cabling. The LV works incorporated new main and secondary switchboards, sub-main cabling, automatic transfer switches and replacement distribution boards serving the East and West risers, alongside alterations to existing cast resin busbar systems and generator controls.

The project also incorporated new earthing installations, SWA cable support systems, electrical risers and switch cupboards, together with lighting, emergency lighting, small power, fire alarm modifications and lightning protection. Associated builder’s works included new openings and cable routes, alterations to raised access platforms, fire stopping and making good.

A carefully coordinated testing and commissioning strategy was implemented, including offline testing of switchboards, busbars and generator controls before connections to the existing infrastructure. Planned electrical shutdowns enabled existing supplies and switchgear to be safely transitioned, while final circuits were relocated to facilitate the removal of the existing legacy HRC fuse boards. On completion, comprehensive O&M documentation was provided to support the ongoing management and maintenance of the upgraded infrastructure.

The Phase 3 works delivered a substantial upgrade to the hospital’s site-wide electrical infrastructure, providing modernised HV and LV distribution systems designed to support the ongoing operational requirements of this critical healthcare environment.

Through detailed planning, phased shutdowns and close coordination with the client, network operator and wider project team, R.D. Jukes successfully delivered complex electrical infrastructure works while managing the challenges associated with working across a live hospital estate.

The project demonstrates R.D. Jukes’ capability to deliver major HV and LV infrastructure upgrades in critical environments where coordination and continuity of service are essential.

RD Jukes - Part of Ventro combines over 50 years of specialist electrical engineering expertise with the wider capabilities of one of the UK's leading building compliance providers. From emergency lighting and life safety systems through to complex electrical infrastructure projects, we help NHS Trusts and public sector organisations deliver critical works safely, efficiently and with minimal disruption to essential services.