NHS Property Services required emergency backup generator systems to be installed at Caterham Hospital and Haslemere Community Hospital.

Both sites had ageing generator systems that needed replacing to improve resilience and reduce the risk of power disruption. The project included the installation of two super silent 165kVA generators, external fuel tank provision to support extended runtime and associated generator control systems.

The works had to be carefully planned around live healthcare environments, where patient, visitor and staff safety remained a priority throughout.

Both hospital sites required replacement generator systems, along with substantial civil works to create new bases for the generators and external fuel tanks.

Because the works were taking place in active healthcare environments, careful planning was needed to minimise disruption to patients, visitors and staff. The sites also had high levels of foot traffic, meaning additional fencing and site controls were required to protect the public and maintain safe working areas.

The project also faced weather-related challenges, with snow threatening to delay progress. However, the use of 4×4 vehicles within the fleet helped ensure the team could continue attending site and maintain the programme.

A further challenge was maintaining backup power provision throughout the installation period. The hospitals could not be left exposed while the old systems were being replaced, so temporary power support had to be planned into the works.

P&I Group designed and delivered a complete generator control system, covering the control panel, generators and fuel transfer systems.

A detailed construction phase plan was produced and used daily to manage the works safely and efficiently. A dedicated project manager attended site to oversee the programme, coordinate engineers and contractors and ensure the works remained aligned with the hospital’s operational requirements.

Much of the work was completed out of hours to reduce disruption within the patient and visitor environment. Additional fencing and site controls were also used to maintain public safety around the working areas.

To ensure the hospitals remained protected throughout the project, a temporary hire generator was placed on site to maintain power availability until the new installation was complete. Honda generators and 3kVA UPS systems were also used to support continuity and reduce the risk of power loss during the works.

The project was completed on time and within budget, despite the operational and weather-related challenges.

Close liaison with the hospital teams helped ensure the Trust was never placed at risk of losing power during the installation. Temporary power arrangements were maintained throughout, and regular meetings helped support clear communication and smooth project delivery.

Following the successful installations, P&I Group was awarded the service contract for the new generators, along with a further eight sites for the Trust.