East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) provides emergency 999, urgent care and patient transport services for the 4.8 million people within the region. Following a successful recruitment drive, EMAS had a requirement to increase and improve its facilities across the region to cater for its new intake of employees.

Lindum was engaged in the design, planning and refurbishment of ambulance stations across Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire, including Worksop, Boston, Wilford, Beechdale, Scunthorpe, Stapleford, Kingsmill, Horizon Place and Cross O’Cliff Court.

Each station operated 24/7 providing lifesaving services – on average EMAS receive a new 999 call every 32 seconds – around 2,700 a day – and it was vital construction work did not interfere with the services each station provided.

Just over £1 million has been invested across the stations which have all benefitted from new and improved washroom and shower facilities, new kitchens and improved office facilities. New finishes have been introduced such as carpets, ceilings, tiling and decorations. New lockers installed and additional car park spaces have been formed to meet the requirements
of an increased capacity.
Our primary objective was to engage effectively with the key stakeholders to understand the client brief with the ultimate aim to deliver an environment that positively supports improved service delivery.
Our genuine understanding of public sector budget constraints and need to maximise value for money on every project underpinned our relationship with EMAS.
We incorporated new energy efficient lighting systems at each site to reduce energy consumption and bills.
All the stations remained fully operational whilst construction works were undertaken, with ambulance staff using some facilities throughout. Prior to commencement of the works, Lindum engaged with key stakeholders to agree a safe methodology of undertaking works. Construction activities were phased to allow staff the full use of some internal areas, garages and parking whilst building works were undertaken. Temporary welfare and office facilities were also provided to relocate staff and other works were undertaken on night shifts to reduce the impact brought by construction activities.

Multiple projects were managed simultaneously by Lindum with effective resources such as management and labour provided to enable the programme to be achieved. We appointed our in-house design team to re-design and alter the layout of buildings to increase welfare facilities – this was key to meeting EMAS objectives. Using our own directly employed labour and
supervision throughout, ensured works proceeded to the programme. It also provided EMAS with a direct Lindum contact and continuity of key staff throughout.
Communication was key to the success of the projects. Furthermore, a number of additional works were requested by EMAS whilst on site which required a quick turnaround and cost agreement so not to impact the programme delivery.

All sites were delivered on time and within budget and were handed over with zero defects on completion.
We worked closely together with EMAS to build a strong relationship based on honesty and trust. All key objectives were met with minimal impact to the day-to-day activities of paramedics and office staff.

The project was procured through the Scape regional construction framework and, using Scape’s social value calculator, it was established that £165,000 of added social impact was created by Lindum’s involvement. This included the value of using apprentices on the job, the impact of renovating a memorial garden at EMAS headquarters and the donation of a defibrillator to be used in an ambulance.