Prestige project proves IP4X and on-site solutions

A new radiotherapy centre at Milton Keynes University Hospital (MKUH) created the ideal opportunity for voestalpine Metsec’s Cable Management Division to introduce its IP4X system and prove the value of the company’s on-site solutions in a live project.

The new centre, is located adjacent to the hospital’s cancer centre and completes the cancer services offering available at MKUH, improving access to healthcare for Milton Keynes residents who would previously have needed to make long journeys to neighbouring facilities to receive their treatments.

Leading engineering services company, TClarke was appointed contractor for the £4 million M&E services aspect of the project, working to an initial scheme design supplied by BDP Consultants to Stage 4b and final design coordination and installation furthered by TClarke’s design team.

The new MKUH facilities accommodate two Linac radiotherapy machines and a CT x-ray machine, together with a variety of consultation rooms, reception areas and staff support amenities.

The electrical services specification called for metal trunking and conduit as 6491B single core stranded copper conductor cable was being used. However, as each room/area required both an A and B path supply, TClarke opted for a 2-compartment trunking solution using voestalpine Metsec’s updated, clipless IP4X fittings system together with hot-dipped galvanised ladders and pre-galvanised trays.

The project posed a number of challenges for the M&E team: The unit was operational during certain times, there was a tight completion deadline and trunking needed to be taken through some 65 wall voids.

TClarke’s Site Engineer, Darren Stygall comments, “This new build was completed to a very tight programme and was very much a ‘live’ project, with requirements changing and designs amended as the installation progressed.

“This necessitated additional orders for trunking throughout the programme as well as changes in specifications. It was essential for us to have a full range of products readily available so that we could meet installation schedules but just as important was Metsec’s ability to supply products to our precise requirements.

“Thanks to their on-site solutions, we were able to order the exact lengths of trunking required to bridge wall voids without needing to make any alterations on site. This saved us a great deal of time and hassle and ensured that the programme ran smoothly.”