21 June 2004
NHS TRUST
REFURBISHES TO CREATE WORLD-CLASS AUDIOLOGY FACILITY
 Advances
in digital hearing aid technology are driving public demand in the UK
and many NHS Trusts are now undertaking refurbishment and upgrades of
their Audiology facilities to cater for this market growth. One such Trust
was The North Devon Healthcare NHS Trust.
Industrial Acoustics Company of Winchester (IAC) is one
of the world’s leading manufacturers of Audiology Test Rooms, having
supplied many thousands to hospitals and clinics around the world. IAC
has just completed the refurbishment and conversion of an existing ward
facility for the Trust, to create a dedicated, large-capacity Audiology
suite to be manned by their 13-strong Audiology team.
Over a two-year period IAC’s acoustic design engineers
worked directly with the Trust and Architects, WS Atkins, to finalise
designs before engaging the main contractor, Bluestone.
The suite comprises a reception area, 3 Audiology test
rooms, a staff rest area, 4 consulting rooms, and fitting rooms. The IAC
test rooms took just 12 weeks to manufacture off site and a further 4
weeks to build on-site. The three Audiology rooms were constructed using
‘Moduline’, an integrated system of laboratory and field-tested
components: wall and roof panels; structurally isolated floors; doors;
windows; and silenced ventilation systems.
Jason Saunders, Architectural Business Manager at IAC:
“Many Audiology facilities around the country are now up to 40 years
old and although the structures themselves are still very sound, the interior
finishes may have become worn and dated. Room refurbishment can create
a whole new look and feel to the room, without compromising the acoustic
performance, at a relatively low cost. Full Air Conditioning systems,
improved Lighting, data and cable access, Modern carpets and finishes
all help to freshen up a sometimes tired-looking facility”.
“Around 40% of our medical work is now refurbishment,
I’d say there are 4 key things that Trusts need to consider when
selecting a ‘partner’ for such projects: Guaranteed acoustic
performance and compliance with International standards; Clean and fast
installation; Strong but lightweight structures and Design flexibility.”
Rob Shaddick is the Head of Department and acted as the
North Devon Trust’s Project Manager. “Some of the other companies
we contacted were not prepared to provide a guarantee to the sound proofing
ability of the windows and sinks. We had had previous IAC installations
and have been very happy with these so I had every confidence that the
installation, sinks, and ventilation would all be of a high standard.”
The Trust’s Head of Service, Dr Lesley Walker, commented:
“We now have audiometric testing facilities that are appropriate
to the size of our paediatric testing needs. The air conditioning is a
particular benefit as our previous facility had to be vacated in the summer
months due to the heat gain.”
More information on
IAC’s Audiology Test Rooms – including standard Booths, Mobile
Screening Units and Large, purpose built suites – is available on www.iacl.co.uk or
you can contact Jason Saunders of IAC direct on 01962 873027 (direct line)
or jasons@iacl.co.uk
ENDS
Words 476
For more media information
please contact Sally Davis in the IAC press office on 023 9266 1600 sally@theprdepartment.co.uk
Jason Saunders, Architectural Business Manager
IAC Limited
IAC House
Moorside Road
Winchester
Hampshire
SO23 7US
Tel 01962 873000
Tel 01962 873027 direct line
Fax 01962 873111
Email info@iacl.co.uk
Jasons@iacl.co.uk
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