Central To The Issue Of Serving The NHS In Time Of Crisis

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The need to fabricate and install windows at a hospital during lockdown posed challenges for both the fabricator and the installer.

The fabricator is Central RPL, supplying over 200 PVC-U windows to Wolverhampton’s New Cross Hospital. The products were installed at the Wednesfield site by long-term Central customer R&R Services, whose expertise not just in glazing but in plumbing, electrics, and building have created high demand for the firm's services since 1998.

 “Because the project involved a hospital, it was classed as essential work, so we engaged a small team of just 6 people to complete the job.”

– Gary Morton 

CEO, Central RPL

 Meticulous hygiene

“For us, that meant fabricating a hundred and twenty or so products while obeying strict coronavirus prevention measures, including social distancing in the factory," continues Central RPL's Morton. “You always feel a big sense of responsibility when you’re making products for something as important as a hospital but on this project that was more the case than ever. We were meticulous about hygiene."

Getting to grips with social distancing

Morton adds: “It was a steep learning curve but we adapted very quickly. In the long-term, it was actually really useful, because it forced us to get to grips with socially distanced working early on.

“Now the restrictions have been eased, it’s allowed us to get back to work much quicker than we would’ve otherwise.”

Installation phase

R&R Services also had to take extensive precautions during the installation phase of the project.

“Installing on a hospital full of vulnerable people during a global pandemic is as challenging as it sounds,” says R&R Services Director Rob Beddows. “But thanks to the skill and professionalism of our experienced installers, we’re delighted to say the job went off without a hitch.”

Picture: Even in the dark days of lockdown, Central RPL' PVC manufacturing facility rose to the challenge of providing 200 windows for a local hospital.

Article written by Cathryn Ellis
23rd July 2020

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