Covering nearly 9000sq metres over six floors, the Heart of Hounslow Centre for Health is one of the largest centres of its kind in Europe. Chris Lewis Fire & Security was asked to design and install an extensive new security system that would protect the building’s staff, its contents and its patients from every potential security infringement.
Client comment
"Because of the size and nature of the building our security requirements were extensive. The solution implemented by Chris Lewis Fire & Security is highly intuitive and has delivered the level of protection required. I was also very impressed with the amount of training and the level of support　that was provided."
Iffat Khan, Support Services Manager, Hounslow Primary Care Trust
Project background
The new Heart of Hounslow Centre for Health is a flagship health centre designed to dramatically improve healthcare for residents of Hounslow. With nearly 9000sq metres of space over six floors and over 400 members of staff, it is one of the largest centres of its kind in Europe.
This security project was subcontracted to us by electrical contractors, Darke and Taylor. We were asked to design and install an extensive security system for the new health centre that included intruder alarm and access control systems, internal and external CCTV, panic alarms, audio entry and vehicle barriers.
The security solution had to meet the local Primary Care Trust’s stringent budget. We also had to ensure that any equipment installed was sympathetic to the building’s aesthetics. Our brief also included delivering an extensive training programme to ensure that authorised staff were capable of controlling and monitoring the new systems.
Graham Cousin, Project Manager at Chris Lewis Fire & Security said, "It was our responsibility to protect and secure the centre, its contents, its staff and its patients. Due to the size and nature of the building, the security requirements were extensive. The security solution we designed caters for every potential security infringement."
The solution
So as to avoid any variation in costs that might affect the client’s budget, the design of the security solution was agreed before any work commenced. Although budget constraints meant we had to carefully consider what equipment was used, at no time were the security arrangements compromised.
To ensure the client was satisfied that the equipment we were proposing wouldlki hoih not compromise the building’s modern and minimalist design, we took sample products for them to view and approve before the security scheme was agreed.
It was essential that the intruder alarm system met PD6662:2004 and EN50131-1:2004 – UK regulations for intruder alarms. To ensure compliance, we worked very closely with several third party suppliers who were involved in the construction of the building. This ensured that　the intruder alarm’s infra red detectors were situated correctly and would not be affected by any other equipment.
Results
Due to the nature of the building it was necessary to limit public access to certain areas within the health centre. Thirty eight internal doors were secured by means of an access control system. To open the doors, authorised staff simply input a security code on a key pad.
To secure the building at times when it is not open to the public, a fully programmable intruder alarm system was installed. The system secures the building’s external perimeter doors and is of a standard suitable for police response.
Our installation of internal and external CCTV cameras enables the centre to closely monitor entry and movement both within the building and the car park perimeter. It provides recorded digital images of a standard suitable for use as evidence should an incident take place.
A tiered panic alarm system was also included to protect the centre’s staff. A total of 111 buttons were installed in the consulting rooms. Should a member of staff activate their panic alarm, their respective department’s reception is notified. Should further assistance be required, the main reception is notified. Finally, if the centre’s security personnel then need further assistance, a police response can be summoned.
Finally, to prevent public access to the centre’s staff car park we installed a vehicle barrier and an audio entry system. The system is linked to the main reception where an authorised individual can permit entry and control the barrier.
Graham Cousin, Project Manager added, "The centre now has an extremely efficient security system that has been installed and will perform and be maintained to the highest standards. Our comprehensive training schedule ensured that the required staff fully understood the features and functionality of the new systems."