Osborne Park Hospital was expanding and existing infrastructure was being redeveloped. The new facilities included enhanced obstetric services, a neonatal nursery, a new rehabilitation unit, and an expanded specialised therapy hub (the first of its kind in the northern suburbs).

Strict hospital infection control and hygiene requirements meant complying with Australian standards for construction was non-negotiable. For floors, this meant no joins in the vinyl which could attract bacteria build-up, and specific welding requirements to reduce floor flexibility.

The modular ward facilities were built offsite and transported to the hospitals by an external supplier. However, upon inspection, it was identified that most of the screws joining the vinyl had loosened in transit and therefore the facilities did not meet minimum builder specifications and standards.

Manchester Flooring Solutions was contacted to bring the floors up to the standard they needed to be.

Our team identified ways to address the issue, implemented remediation activities, and worked within the client’s budget.

To ensure the flooring solutions were safe and completed to code, we:

• Inspected and re-screwed all modules
• Cut and applied two-part epoxy to the joints in the boards
• Removed and replaced all CFC sheeting where the modules were joined to close gaps
• Ground and applied primer and a 4mm coat of Ardex K65 leveller to the boards, to align them with Australian standards.

To support infection control, we ensured the floors were waterproof (and able to be hosed down) and made with antibacterial commercial grade vinyls, carpets, carpet tiles and PVC wooden planks.

This in-depth process increased the work and time required to complete the job, however there a timeline extension was not possible as there was as strict handover deadline. This job was further complicated by a delay in material supply, a shortage of available labour and limited budgets. Despite this, Manchester Flooring Solutions still delivered quality flooring solutions, in compliance with Australian Standards, on time.

The client was delighted with the result. Our work contributed to the project finishing on time, within budget and according to strict specifications. Manchester Flooring Solutions was subsequently engaged to address similar issues at Rockingham Hospital.