Roof replaced above nine wards at Morriston Hospital
Main image: Sections of the new Morriston Hospital roof, light brown, can be seen in this image taken from drone footage.
More than 43% of the roof of Morriston Hospital in Swansea has been replaced, ensuring wards are protected from the elements now and in the future.
New roof tiles, timber battens and felt have been installed above nine wards so far.
Further roof replacement work is planned.
We are highlighting this work as part of our campaign celebrating our capital planning and estates teams.
Swansea Bay University Health Board project manager Mark Jarrett said moss was growing over the older parts of the structure, which is common due to the trees in the area.
“Debris also collects in guttering over time, so we cleaned those out and ended up with 14 skips full of debris,” he said.
“This included some old nesting material from the seagulls.”
As the installation took place above wards containing patients, Mark said they worked closely with operational colleagues to keep disruption to a minimum.
The provision of a decant ward, a spare ward where beds and services can be relocated temporarily, was crucial in part of this process.
“But when it came to the children’s wards, the Paediatric Assessment Unit and ward M, service pressures meant they weren’t able to do that, so we had to do the work in a section at a time,” said Mark.
“The staff were brilliant. They would move things around enough to clear around a quarter of the space at a time, so we could replace the roof above that section. Then they’d move back into the section and clear another area ready.”
All moves were made by the medical and nursing teams within the template of the paediatric wards, which resulted in minimal disruption to services for children and young people.
Mark said: “All roofs have a lifespan and will need to be replaced eventually. The complicating factor for us is that hospitals are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
“We worked very closely with colleagues on the wards to make sure it was all carried out safely.”
Paediatrics Matron Sarah James said: “It was a bit like a big game of chess at times, but everyone worked together really well and we’re so pleased the work has been completed as it gives us confidence going forward.”
Work to replace roof tiles, timber battens and felt has to be done with minimal disruption to patients.
Credit: SBUHB
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