Harefield Hospital
Fire Door Replacement Programme
Client: Harefield Hospital
Location: Harefield, London
Sector: Healthcare
Completion: 2025
Background
As part of an ongoing programme of fire safety improvements at Harefield Hospital, several existing fire doors were identified for further review following routine inspection and assessment. Over time, the doors had experienced general wear and deterioration, including issues such as compromised seals, misalignment, and damage to key components.
Given the critical role fire doors play within healthcare environments — particularly in supporting compartmentation and progressive evacuation strategies — it was important to determine whether the doors remained capable of providing the required level of fire resistance and compliance.
Following a detailed assessment and consultation with the hospital facilities team, it was concluded that replacement represented the most appropriate long-term solution for a number of the doors.
Our Role
Our team was appointed to undertake the removal and replacement of several fire doors across the hospital site. Works included:
- Detailed inspection and condition assessment of existing doors
- Consultation with site and facilities teams to coordinate works
- Supply and installation of certified fire-rated door sets
- Installation of compliant ironmongery, intumescent seals, and associated components
- Ensuring works were completed with minimal disruption to the live healthcare environment
All replacement doors were selected to meet current fire safety standards while remaining suitable for the demands of a busy clinical setting.
challenges
Working within an operational hospital environment required careful planning and communication throughout the project. Access arrangements, noise considerations, and maintaining safe circulation routes for staff, patients, and visitors were all key considerations during the works.
In addition, the project required a balanced approach to fire door compliance. While repair is always considered where reasonably practicable, the condition of several doors meant that replacement was necessary to achieve the required level of performance, reliability, and long-term compliance.
outcome
The completed works have enhanced the hospital’s passive fire protection measures by introducing fully compliant fire door systems capable of supporting effective compartmentation in the event of a fire.
The newly installed doors provide improved durability, functionality, and reliability, while also offering a clean and modern finish appropriate for the healthcare environment. The project was delivered successfully with minimal disruption to hospital operations, supported by close coordination with the hospital team throughout.
Key takeaway
- Thorough inspection and assessment are essential in determining whether fire doors can be repaired or require replacement
- In some cases, replacement is the most appropriate route to achieve long-term compliance and performance
- Effective fire door systems remain a critical component of passive fire protection within healthcare settings
- Careful planning and communication are vital when carrying out works within live hospital environments
- Modern compliant door sets can improve both fire safety performance and day-to-day usability
