Heart of Hounslow Case Study - The Chris Lewis Group

Design and Install an Extensive Security System

Covering nearly 9000m2 over six floors, the Heart of Hounslow Centre for Health is one of the largest centres of its kind in Europe. Chris Lewis Fire & Security was asked to design and install an extensive new security system that would protect the building’s staff, its contents, and its patients from every potential security infringement.

The new Heart of Hounslow Centre for Health is a flagship health centre designed to dramatically improve healthcare for residents of Hounslow. With nearly 9000m2 of space over six floors and over 400 members of staff, it is one of the largest centres of its kind in Europe.

This security project was subcontracted to us by electrical contractors, Darke and Taylor. We were asked to design and install an extensive security system for the new health centre that included intruder alarm and access control systems, internal and external CCTV, panic alarms, audio entry and vehicle barriers. The security solution had to meet the local Primary Care Trust’s stringent budget. We also had to ensure that any equipment installed was sympathetic to the building’s aesthetics.

Our brief also included delivering an extensive training programme to ensure that authorised staff were capable of controlling and monitoring the new systems. Graham Cousin, Project Manager at Chris Lewis Fire & Security said, “It was our responsibility to protect and secure the centre, its contents, its staff, and its patients. Due to the size and nature of the building, the security requirements were extensive. The security solution we designed caters for every potential security infringement.”

Access Control

Due to the nature of the building, it was necessary to limit public access to certain areas within the health centre. Thirty-eight internal doors were secured by means of an access control system. To open the doors, authorised staff simply input a security code on a keypad.

Intruder Alarms

To secure the building at times when it is not open to the public, a fully programmable intruder alarm system was installed. The system secures the building’s external perimeter doors and is of a standard suitable for police response. It was essential that the intruder alarm system met PD6662:2004 and EN50131- 1:2004 – UK regulations for intruder alarms. To ensure compliance, we worked very closely with several third-party suppliers who were involved in the construction of the building. This ensured that the intruder alarm’s infra-red detectors were situated correctly and would not be affected by any other equipment.

CCTV System

Our installation of internal and external CCTV cameras enables the centre to closely monitor entry and movement both within the building and the car park perimeter. It provides recorded digital images of a standard suitable for use as evidence should an incident take place.

Panic Alarm

A tiered panic alarm system was also included to protect the centre’s staff. A total of 111 buttons were installed in the consulting rooms.

Car Park Barrier

To prevent public access to the centre’s staff car park a vehicle barrier and an audio entry system were also installed. The system is linked to the main reception where an authorised individual can permit entry and control the barrier.