The Nuffield Department of Surgery is the centre for the study of surgery within the University of Oxford Medical School.
Since it was founded in 1937, the department has been responsible for many pioneering surgical techniques, from the development of a heart lung machine in 1954 to the first kidney transplant carried out in the UK, 20 years later. Some of these surgical techniques are now used all around the world.
This refurbishment project created a modern, welcoming and vibrant research environment by converting 400 square metres of levels 5 and 6 of the John Radcliffe Hospital into teaching and laboratory spaces.
Beard had worked with the university and the design team on several previous occasions, and won this contract following a competitive tender.
On level 5 the project created an open plan office space with 38 workstations for MSc students, a glass-fronted meeting pod, and an area for lockers. The refurbishment of level 6 provided office accommodation for clinical fellows and administration staff, an archive area, a vascular laboratory, irradiator room and liquid nitrogen storage area.
Glazed screens separate offices and corridors, which gives spaces a light and airy feel.
Challenges and solutions
Beard liaised closely with hospital staff to ensure that the construction work was carried out safely, without inconveniencing patients and hospital staff.
“The Beard team was very easy to work with and always displayed the diligence and enthusiam that helped to make the project successful. The finished article and standard of workmanship are a credit to everyone who worked on the contract.”
