The hospital, said to be the biggest construction project on the Orkney Islands since St Magnus Cathedral was completed in the 12th Century, will feature 14,000² of ComFlor^® composite floor deck, playing a central role in minimising vibration in areas accommodating wards and operating theatres - a major consideration for hospitals.

The wards and operating theatres at the new hospital are located on the first floor and use ComFlor^® with a reinforced concrete floor slab to keep vibration to a minimum.

Supporting the thicker slabs, the design also required the use of short-span heavy steel beams and two additional lines of columns, further negating the potential for vibration issues.

Crucial requirement for the hospital

Gary Culbert, Commercial & Business Development Manager at BHC, the structural steelwork contractors who specified the premium Tata Steel product, said: “We’re really pleased that a top-quality product has enabled us to satisfy a crucial requirement for the hospital.”

“We worked very closely with BHC to ensure the stringent technical requirements were understood. Our technical capability to manufacture composite steel decking is well proven, and I am confident this was a key consideration in the tender evaluation.

Tata Steel has a global track record of managing complex project packages.”

Martin continued, “Tata Steel has executed projects of this nature in the past with extreme precision and accuracy, ensuring achievement of project objectives and client goals.”

Healthcare in Orkney is set to be transformed by the new £64 million hospital and healthcare facility which will provide a state-of-the-art clinical environment for the delivery of health services.

The introduction of new technologies and facilities will reduce the number of people having to travel to the Scottish mainland for routine care.