Medical
The acoustic requirements of medical facilities within the UK
are laid down in NHS Estates document HTM 2045. This covers
a wide range of acoustics and vibration issues and sets performance
standards. In undertaking acoustic design work in hospitals
and other health facilities, other HTM documents have also to
be taken into account, in particular HTM 56 which includes acoustic
ratings for partitions.
Vibration of floors is critical within a medical environment
for personnel comfort but also to ensure sensitive equipment
works effectively. We therefore prepare calculations and
designs to ensure that with normal use there is no possibility
of floors vibrating as staff or patients walk around the building.
The Steel Construction Institute gives guidance here.
In considering the suitability of acoustic materials for use in
medical environments, the overwhelming need is that it cannot harbour
germs and is robust and cleanable. A new generation of proprietary
acoustic treatments is now available for use in reducing noise
within medical environments.
Other projects include:
St James’s Hospital, Leeds
Peterborough
General Hospital
Hope Hospital, Salford
Queens Medical Centre,
Nottingham
Central Sheffield University
Trust Audiometry Centre
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Hinchingbrook
Diagnostic Treatment Centre |
This PFI project for Kiers brought
together surgeries, treatment rooms and overnight wards
into a new glazed building located close to the busy A14
trunk road. Arrangement of critical spaces within
the building was key to its acoustic success. A naturally
lit internal street is roofed with ETFE, used also in the
UK’s Eden project, which was a key element in the
buildings’ acoustic envelope.
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