Refurbishment and expansion of one of Ireland’s busiest Emergency Departments, which is at the leading edge of emergency and critical care in Ireland.
This project sees the completion of a comprehensive programme of works to expand capacity, modernize existing facilities, and create a temporary Triage Unit from prefabricated accommodation at the Mater Hospital Emergency Department. These works combine traditional construction methods with modular prefabricated solutions, providing both permanent and adaptable infrastructure.
The combined interventions were designed to relieve congestion in the existing ED, improve patient flow, and deliver a modern, therapeutic environment aligned with best practice in healthcare architecture.
New Building
A new two-storey triangular extension was constructed to provide a dedicated main entrance to the Emergency Department. It contains a main reception, waiting area, treatment bays, psychiatry examination and MDT room and leads directly into the main emergency department and trauma bays.
It creates a secure and welcoming point of arrival for patients and visitors. The architectural expression aligns with the overall modular hospital design while identifying it as a new point of entry to the hospital. External areas are finished in durable natural stone and extensive landscaping.
Refurbishment
The refurbishment and fit-out of the existing hospital areas created a suite of critical clinical facilities, including a CT scanner suite and three trauma bays arranged to support simultaneous treatment of multiple patients. One trauma bay is fitted with sliding doors to allow for patient privacy and isolation as required. It also accommodates supporting ancillary spaces such as a laboratory, doffing area, and utility rooms.
Central to the design is the large staff base, positioned to ensure full visibility of all trauma bays. This central desk employs seamless, non-porous solid surface materials that are easy to clean and highly durable, mirroring the aesthetic and detailing of the main reception desk in the extension. This design strategy strengthens the visual language across the department while meeting rigorous infection control standards.The refurbishment and fit-out of the existing hospital areas created a suite of critical clinical facilities, including a CT scanner suite and three trauma bays arranged to support simultaneous treatment of multiple patients. One trauma bay is fitted with sliding doors to allow for patient privacy and isolation as required. It also accommodates supporting ancillary spaces such as a laboratory, doffing area, and utility rooms.
Central to the design is the large staff base, positioned to ensure full visibility of all trauma bays. This central desk employs seamless, non-porous solid surface materials that are easy to clean and highly durable, mirroring the aesthetic and detailing of the main reception desk in the extension. This design strategy strengthens the visual language across the department while meeting rigorous infection control standards.
Modern Methods of Construction/ Rapid Delivery
A temporary Triage Unit was installed by the Mater to rapidly assess patient needs before directing people to the correct clinical pathways. This was erected as a series of modular portacabins to meet the urgent needs of the emergency services. By separating triage from the main ED, patient congestion has been significantly reduced, leading to safer and more efficient care delivery.
Scott Tallon Walker were tasked with modifying and cloaking this facility with a new architectural façade that would integrate it into the overall visual landscape of the existing hospital. The use of modular prefabricated construction allowed for the rapid installation of this facility that could then be worked around to integrate it into the wider campus.
Fig. 1 Prefabricated Structure
Fig. 2 Façade Structure
Fig. 3 Completed Modular Prefabricated Structure
Landscaping
Despite the constraints of a busy urban hospital campus, landscaping was incorporated around the new facilities for their calming and therapeutic effect. Green buffers and carefully designed planters separate traffic flows from pedestrian routes, contributing to a calming environment. Research demonstrates that exposure to natural elements can reduce stress and anxiety, enhancing the patient experience during what are often moments of crisis.
