Rebuilt St Jude’s Hospital underpinned by comprehensive life safety system

The rebuilt hospital has been fitted with a networked Latitude fire control system and ESP addressable devices, supplied and installed through a partnership forged between Hochiki, Rayneau (itself part of the RG Group) and Jendee. The system spans the hospital’s full range of specialist wings, including orthopaedic services, ophthalmology, a pharmacy, new operating theatres, a physiotherapy centre and a dialysis support unit alongside warehouses, maintenance areas and public spaces.

Hochiki Group was founded in Japan back in 1918. The business has spent more than 100 years developing fire and life safety technology that’s used in hospitals, transport networks and public buildings around the world. That scale and heritage sat behind the specification for St Jude’s Hospital, where reliability and long-term support were central requirements given the scale of the rebuild.

Compliance requirements

Richard Wharram, export sales manager at Hochiki Europe, said the system’s design was shaped around strict compliance requirements from the outset.

“The entire system was designed to meet the requirements of BS 5839,” affirmed Wharram, “including the placement of sensors throughout the hospital and sounder coverage levels. All devices within the system comply with EN 54 standards across their respective categories.”

Wharram added: “Compliance with national and international regulations was an essential requirement to ensure the system met the necessary standards and would comprehensively safeguard the hospital’s premises, patients and personnel.”

Jendee, who worked alongside Hochiki and Rayneau throughout the project, explained that this installation has reinforced a long-term partnership.

“The end user was highly satisfied with the product quality and reliability of Hochiki’s systems,” said a spokesperson from Jendee. “The installation proceeded very smoothly, from the initial design and supply through to the technical support provided during the final installation, which is testament to the long-term partnership we have with Hochiki. We are fully confident that, with the ongoing support of both Hochiki and Rayneau, St Jude’s Hospital is comprehensively and securely protected.”

Latitude panels

The hospital’s system is built around two six-loop Hochiki Latitude panels, part of a five-panel network with 11 repeaters positioned at entrances and nursing stations, thereby affording staff clear control and monitoring across the two-storey building.

Each loop can support over 127 devices, allowing the system to expand as the hospital’s services continue to grow with time.

The project forms part of a wider programme of work across the Caribbean, whereby Hochiki has been building strong business relationships with specifiers, installers and fire safety professionals across St Lucia, Dominica, Grenada, St Vincent and Trinidad.

*Further information is available online at www.hochikieurope.com