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This visit provided an invaluable opportunity for students to deepen their understanding of real-world engineering in action, directly supporting their project brief from the NHS Wales Shared Services Partnership – Specialist Estates Services (NWSSP–SES). Their challenge asks students to imagine designing a sustainable, future-proof cancer treatment facility from scratch, considering energy sources, materials, construction methods, environmental impact, and how to maintain patient services during the transition from the existing centre.

 

Students were warmly welcomed by Joanne O’Keefe, Community Benefits Co-ordinator for Sacyr, who delivered an engaging classroom session outlining the major stages, considerations, and potential pitfalls involved in constructing a new hospital. Joanne’s presentation gave students a strong foundation for understanding the scale and complexity of the VCC project.

 

During the site tour, students were joined by Carlos Acuna, an experienced site engineer who has contributed to the construction of 34 hospitals worldwide. Carlos offered detailed insights into the engineering challenges on site, from construction sequencing and material choices to sustainability measures, radiation protection rooms, environmental design, and the logistics of building each floor. He answered a wide range of questions and helped them clarify their next research steps for the project.

 

This was a thoroughly informative and inspiring visit, giving students a real sense of the professional world they are engaging with. We are extremely grateful to Sacyr, Joanne, Carlos and NWSSP–SES for providing our students with such an invaluable learning opportunity.