Emergency Services Data Centre Design & Build

Case Study: North West Ambulance Service (NHS Trust)

Complete Tier 3 Data Centre Design and Build Project for the NHS

Introduction

At the beginning of 2018, the North West Ambulance Service (NHS Trust) initiated a comprehensive search for a partner capable of delivering a complete end-to-end solution encompassing the design, build, and installation of a brand-new data centre.

This critical project demanded not only technical excellence but also deep sector specific experience particularly within the emergency services environment, where resilience, compliance, and uptime are paramount. The Trust sought a specialist provider with a proven track record in delivering high performance data centre solutions, who could also offer strategic guidance and expert consultation throughout every phase of the project.

Shortly after the tender was released they began working with INFINITI who completed not only within the budget but on time. Delivering with full compliance and a hassle-free installation which has gone onto serve the country’s emergency call centre.

Challenges

The project aimed to consolidate three existing sites into a single, unified location while significantly enhancing the quality and resilience of the organisation’s emergency services data centre infrastructure. A key challenge was the requirement to house the new data centre on the first floor, presenting complex weight distribution considerations.

The INFINITI team was tasked with navigating these structural challenges, as well as the technical complexities of merging live, operational sites without disruption. Given that the North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) is a vital component of the UK’s emergency call centre network, maintaining uninterrupted service was non-negotiable. It was imperative that the data centre experienced zero downtime during construction and was fully safeguarded against potential future power outages.

The project was required to be completed within a strict eight week timeframe. NWAS required a trusted partner capable of operating under stringent security protocols and privacy requirements - an organisation that not only met all regulatory and compliance standards, but could also deliver end-to-end solutions on time and within budget.

❝ INFINITI not only completed the desired work within the budget and time given but, overcame the weight issue as we wanted to locate our Data Centre on the first floor. Top professional work!❞

NHS Overseeing Project Manager

Solution

This required a company with exceptional experience and expertise in the fields of emergency services Data Centre Design and Build who could also advise throughout the process and deliver with full compliance a hassle-free installation.

Fully phased Tier 3 data centre design & build package provided in the capacity of design and build contractor including project management and site supervision to CDM requirements.
Supply & installation of new 1 hour fire rated composite room build.
Supply & Installation of new 1 hour fire rated door.
Provision of 100kVA UPS system configured as 2N, bypass panel and electrical systems, design and build of electric systems.
Highly efficient direct cabinet cooling design
Generator feeds.

Supply & Installation of fresh air ventilation damper.
Design and Installation of Electrical systems which include new MPDU, parallel bypass panel, 2# CPDU’s and associated cabling to support online services.
Installation of electrical lighting systems with emergency lighting.
Bespoke hot aisle containment system to improve cooling efficiency and managed airflows.
Data centre handover and training for onsite IT support staff and data centre operators.

❝ Designing and expanding a high-density data centre within the NHS sector in record time posed a unique set of obstacles and challenges. This data centre construction project is a testament of what can be achieved when both client and contractor work together in tandem.❞

Peter Sands, Lead Specialist, INFINITI IT

NHS data centre project provided by Infiniti IT

fire suppression supplied and installed by Infiniti IT

data centre UPS supplied and installed by Infiniti IT

Results

INFINITI completed the project to specification, within budget, and most importantly, within the deadlines involved. The client was able to move to their new location and move into the new offices on time. The benefits experienced include:

Ensuring efficiency and full compliance with current and future global standards and regulations.
A long-term virtualised solution to support future. expansion with accommodating mission critical systems
Critical systems optimised for energy efficiency and optimal performance.
No disruption to online or office operations.

Specifications built on a deep technical understanding of our customer's requirements and objectives.
A highly visible, approachable and friendly team that are always contactable throughout the process.
Complete handover and onsite training for IT staff and data centre operators.
A competitive solution that meets timescales and budget requirements.