Project Description

In October 2009 the new Oxford Heart Centre opened at the John Radcliffe Hospital to meet the growing needs of heart patients in Oxfordshire and across the region.

Pyrotec Services supplied the equipment and worked with Walker Brothers the main electrical contractors on the phased installation and commissioning of the fire alarm system. The system was finally integrated into the main hospital site multiplex system which monitors the whole of the hospital site.

The system was designed to meet not only BS5839 but also the requirements of Fire Code 0503 and  consisted of a network of Kentec Electronics 4 loop analogue addressable control panels and repeater panels designed and build to meet the exacting requirements of the project.

Kentec was chosen in order that the staged commissioning of the system required in the new extension could be seamlessly integrated with the existing system installed in the hospital.  Consideration was also given to the flexibility of the system software and cause and effect programme which allowed for special staged alarm signalling as required throughout the hospital in the event of a system activation.

Hochiki’s range of ESP analogue fire sensors were chosen for the project for their advanced design, reliability and aesthetic appearance. Also the ability to be integrated with the extensive range of Hochiki loop powered sounders, beacons and ancillary devices completed the package.

The Oxford Heart Centre system was integrated into the hospital’s extensive site network, supplied by Kentec and installed Pyrotec. The network is interfaced with a site wide management system which displays all alarms on VDU’s and is monitored 24/7 within the telephone switch room.

Existing facilities for Cardiothoracic services within the main hospital building are set to be reconfigured in phase 2 of the expansion.

The Oxford Heart Centre provides the following:

  • Five catheter labs, for diagnosing and treating heart problems, and for monitoring patients undergoing cardiology treatment.
  • A recovery unit with five beds, including a paediatric recovery area for child heart patients.
  • 50 single rooms for patients over two wards.
  • 19 intensive care and high dependency beds for cardiac patients
  • 16 day patient beds
  • 10 CCU beds total
  • New facilities for staff