This project involved a new state-of-the-art 800m2 Ophthalmic Operating Theatre suite of accommodation for Mater Misericordiae University Hospital in Dublin (MMUH), increasing operating capacity to 15. The suite includes 2No. fully equipped operating Theatres and associated ancillary accommodation including rooms such as anaesthetic, scrub, clean and dirty utilities and post acute care unit (PACU).  The theatres have been specifically designed to integrate with the Hospital’s existing day ward and injection facility for the most efficient processes possible in line with the department’s commitment to LEAN principles, therefore optimising surgical efficiency and reducing the amount of time a patient needs to spend in the hospital. The project includes a number of firsts, notably the ability to deliver Ocular Gene therapy in Ireland for the first time.

Despite the complexity of this healthcare project, COVID-19 restrictions and the uncertainty of Brexit, it was designed and constructed within 8 months.  This rapid design and build approach included for weekly site meeting and workshops while complying with COVID-19 government guidelines for social distancing etc.

The theatres are fitted with state-of-the-art audio-visual technology to facilitate in-theatre / in-hospital and external live surgical demonstrations and teaching. This is in keeping with the hospital’s culture of research, teaching and innovation. Ceiling mounted Zeiss Lumera microscopes are used to introduce end to end patient diagnostics and treatment for cataract surgery via the Calisto eye system (Computer assisted cataract surgery). One of the specialist theatres will accommodate the new Lumera Microscope with integrated Ocular Coherence Tomography which enables the latest corneal and glaucoma procedures to be completed. Equipotential bonding and earthing included anti-static flooring, earth reference bars to each of the theatre suites. Power and ICT services were designed with resilience in accordance with the Building’s Clinical and Business continuity risks as well as HTM Standards.

This project is a benchmark for future healthcare facilities within the Mater Hospital Campus and Ophthalmic Theatre installation across Europe.