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AN Omagh man has been leading the charge in preparing 72 new rooms for Altnagelvin Hospital two months ahead of schedule – to be used during the Covid 19 outbreak.
The Omagh-based R Mallon Joinery team have been very busy over the past few weeks working with Farrans Construction to fast-track rooms in Altnagelvin Hospital’s new North Wing.
A total of 72 rooms will be finished and handed over to the NHS two months ahead of schedule as the Derry hospital continues to care for those with Covid 19.
Ruairi Mallon, of R Mallon Joinery, said he was glad to be able to finish the rooms and help the Trust in their time of need.
He said, “We did all of the joinery work. The first and second fixing, doors, architraves, locks and all those kind of jobs.
“We had been there for two years and the rooms were not supposed to be handed over until the end of June, but the Trust came to Farrans Construction, who were the main contractors, and asked could the rooms be delivered sooner because of the pandemic.
“We just had to focus on getting the rooms ready for the Trust and that is what we have been doing for the last few weeks.
“A lot of the rooms were more or less finished but there was fine details that needed to be finished to get them up to standard for handing over.
“This will be a massive help to them. It was good to be able to help the hospital out and everyone understands that the nurses and doctors are under a lot of pressure so it was good that we were able to do our bit,” said Ruairi.
In accordance with government guidelines, a number of safety measures were in put in place for the joiners to ensure they were able to continue working on the site safely.
“Farrans Construction were fantastic. They had us working night shifts and we split up the men so there wasn’t too many in the one vicinity and ensuring the two metre rule was adhered to.
“We were supplied with dust masks and proper PPE to help get the ward finished in a safe manner.
“Obviously there was the fear of men contaminating each other or getting sick but the way it was lined up it worked out very well.
“Everything we needed was segregated and split up so we were always two metres apart, and it was a safe environment for everyone to work in – that was a top priority for everyone involved.
“When we started this project, we thought it would just run as every other job, but little did we know what was ahead of us.
“Covid-19 threw a massive spanner in the works, and we needed to get the rooms finished as soon as possible and get every man out of the building so the Trust can use the rooms.”
Due to Covid 19, a lot of work in the construction industry has been halted.
Four men from Ruairi’s team are currently putting the final touches on the rooms, but the major project is more or less complete.
Ruairi continued, “I am very happy with the finished product and it looks really well.
“It turned out to be a good project and a much-needed one in the end up.
“There is a great sense of accomplishment and team work. Everyone that was involved in the project stepped up to the mark and helped out.
“The project meant I was able to keep as many men employed for a while longer.
“Most of the work was in Altnagelvin Hospital and rest has been shelved for the meantime until the virus clears up. I would rather have my men safe, than at risk.
“We still have the main entrance of the hospital to finish and we will be going back to finish it when this is all over,” concluded Ruairi.
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