Perega has announced the successful completion of its design works up to RIBA Stage 4 for the Same Day Emergency Care (SDEC) unit at Queen's Hospital in Romford.

Following the project briefing in October 2024, Perega has played a key role in developing the technical design package aimed at enhancing healthcare provision for Barking, Havering & Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust, continuing the firm’s five-year collaboration with the Trust.

The SDEC project, a ward refurbishment within Queen's Hospital, provided opportunities for Perega to apply its expertise in efficient and innovative technical design solutions. Using comprehensive site records, the team carried out detailed assessments of the roof structure to accommodate the new mechanical plant.

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"We reviewed the originally specified mechanical plant loadings on the roof and determined that a large steel frame would be necessary to support the plant," said Sam Coleman, Associate Structural Engineer at Perega. "Based on our experience with healthcare projects, we knew the plant originally specified was on the high end of loading, and were therefore able to request that the mechanical engineer explore an alternative manufacturer. They were able to find a significantly lighter unit which meant we didn't need to install a heavy steel frame, considerably reducing material usage and costs and avoiding breaking through the waterproofing."

A key challenge involved routing new ductwork from the ground floor to the roof while ensuring zero disruption to an operational ward on the first floor directly above the SDEC unit. Perega's investigations helped the design team implement a solution that routed the ducting externally through a tight space in the building’s wall, minimising operational disruption. Coordination was also required for the ground floor’s suspended slab construction and existing ground gas issues, with careful validation of drainage systems.

Perega's experience in healthcare design, encompassing both structural requirements and broader consultancy coordination, proved crucial in delivering alternative, efficient solutions. The firm collaborated closely with M&E consultants Redworth Associates and architects Arcadis throughout the project.