PriDE manages Defence Estates’ South East Regional Prime Contract (SE RPC). Valued at around £380m, the SE RPC is one of five regional prime contracts currently in place in the UK.

March 2010

Providing ‘everything an injured soldier should want and deserve’ at Deepcut Barracks

With the increase in injured servicemen in recent years, the need for disabled access to military buildings has also increased. As a result many buildings within the SE RPC have had to be adapted to fit new Disability Discrimination Act regulations, as well as changing to improve the lives of the soldiers living with disabilities.

The MNW team, with DE and sub-contractor Concept Design Solutions (Surrey), has taken this one step further at the Princess Royal Barracks Officers Mess at Deepcut. Access within the Mess was previously very limited, and with Mess facilities on the first floor, there was a whole host of problems for disabled officers. There was a clear need for change and a meeting between all parties was held to determine a way to make the change possible. The design consultants worked quickly to develop a format that complied with the current DDA Regulations and also gained Regional Building Control approval for the project.

In just five months, the collaborative team have completely transformed two standard rooms, store room and cupboard into a high-spec disabled person’s suite, complete with living and kitchen area, bathroom, bedroom and fire exit. A third bedroom has also been refurbished to a high standard to be used as a carer’s suite. It has direct access into the disabled person’s suite via a lockable door, enabling it to be used as a standard room when necessary.

The bathroom has been installed using all the latest technology, and is an impressive feature in the suite. The complete wet room with non-slip, easy clean floor comprises: anti-scald shower; a full body dryer; auto-flush toilet with built in wash and dry facility and remote control; hoist that can move the user to any area within the room; sink unit with adjustable height and remote control taps. Every aspect of using a bathroom as a disabled person has been considered and technology to make it as easy as possible has been installed.

The disabled person’s bedroom is not short of gadgets either, with a multi-adjustable bed and wardrobes with auto-rails to access storage. Alarms have been fitted with vibration features for deaf users, phone points with links to the 24 hour reception – and flat screen TVs for an added bonus. Passive InfraRed lighting has also been installed throughout, with on/auto switch use available. Automated doors have been fitted internally and access into the suite is through an automated door, operated either by a keypad or the electronic key system which has been installed.

 

 

 

 

 

Access
It was not just a case of making a room comfortable for a disabled user, as work had to be carried out throughout the Mess to increase access. Automated doors have been provided in the corridors at both ground and first floor levels which accesses either the building reception or the first floor Mess facility.
A disabled person’s external elevator has been provided, enabling access to all floors of the Mess, as well as an ablution facility on the second floor; the lift was designed to be in keeping with the external aspect of the building.

Ongoing maintenance
Any future maintenance work that needs to be carried out within the suite can be done so with minimal impact on the occupant. Utility cupboards have been created in the hallways so work can be completed without even entering the room and compromising privacy. They have also been built within easy reach, abolishing the use of step ladders!

Team work at its best
The project team has been dedicated to this project from the outset, and all shared a strong desire to deliver a fantastic facility that they can not only be proud of, but that is also going to benefit its users. The project is the first of its kind.  As the team were new to the world of technology that eases the life of the disabled, they carried out extensive research in sourcing the latest, state-of-the-art technology appropriate for use in the suite.

The suite is a wonderful addition to the Mess, and has successfully made the facility accessible to people with varying levels of access.

Think green – All fittings installed are energy saving!

Having seen the completed works, Terry Hicks from 2 Brigade expressed his gratitude at the facility produced. In communication with DE, Terry wrote:

It is very apparent that the work is to the highest standard and that every requirement has been considered and delivered in a very professional manner. It will provide relief for every injured solider that is fortunate to have access to it. In my view, MOD has had value for money in this instance. The facility should provide everything that injured soldiers want and deserve for the lifetime of the Mess.

Special thanks must go to the Project Team and especially John Harris (DE), Keith Ball (PriDE) and Mike Rea (CDS).