A NEWTOWN and Welshpool-based architectural firm is celebrating after securing two prestigious contracts with the NHS in Wales.
Hughes Architects was awarded the first project in Breconshire War Memorial Hospital, Brecon, by Powys Health Board and, just days later, secured a second contract with the Health Board, for Montgomery County Infirmary, Newtown.
Both projects will see the modernisation of existing ward space to bring them up to date with national standards. This includes providing single rooms with en-suite bathrooms and facilities to enable a range of rehabilitation services such as people recovering after a stroke.
Doug Hughes, managing director of Hughes Architects, said: “We were delighted to secure the Brecon and Newtown projects to provide modern, accessible rehabilitation facilities for patients.
“Both projects have very quick turnaround times with the specific Brecon ward areas now closed down ready for work to start in January, and the Newtown job due for completion by late March 2011.
“We're confident that we can help the hospitals reconfigure the space in good time though, and the plans include removing the current ward system and replacing it with individual single-bedded rooms with en-suite facilities.”
The Brecon project will include a convalescence area where physiotherapy can be provided, while the Newtown project will see a number of support services such as occupational therapy and physiotherapy bought together for ease of use by patients.
Mr Hughes added: “Adapting our local hospitals to provide modern services is something which, as a team, we're all personally passionate about, so being asked to get involved in two such exciting projects which are set to deliver a very real difference to the people of both north and south Powys is a real privilege.
“As a practice, our heritage is in the domestic sector and the 'kitchen table' discussions we're used to having with our clients have helped us no end with this project, where we've regularly updated the client and associated third parties, and where our consultative approach has led to the most effective use of both time and budget.”