Rapid Deployment of Floor-Mounted Pumps for NHS Nightingale Hospital, Birmingham

Background

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the UK Government commissioned a rapid transformation of Birmingham’s NEC into one of the nation’s largest emergency medical facilities – the NHS Nightingale Hospital.

Opening on Easter Day, the hospital initially provided 500 beds, with capacity planned to increase to over 1,500 beds within just 12 days – with potential for further expansion.

Challenge

The entire hospital infrastructure – including medical wards, washrooms, and sanitation systems – had to be established at unprecedented speed. Round-the-clock work by NHS medical teams and specialist contractors was essential to meet the tight deadlines.

A crucial part of this effort involved implementing a robust wastewater and sewage pumping solution to support the vast number of temporary wards and patient areas across the NEC site.

Solution

Pump Technology Ltd, based in Aldermaston, was selected to supply floor-mounted lifting stations for managing wastewater and sewage across the site. Collaborating with public health consultants and building services contractors, the Pump Technology team:

• Reviewed discharge pipe runs and fall designs created by the consultants

• Selected and supplied Compli units from its extensive UK-held stock – one of the largest in the country

• Delivered all units from stock, ensuring no delays to the critical build schedule

Compli lifting stations were installed locally throughout the hospital wards to handle:

• Wastewater from hand basins and slop sinks

• General discharge to central collection points

Why the Compli?

The Compli was selected for its proven reliability, ease of installation, and robust design. Features include:

• Dual vortex pumps with free-flow operation

• Integral float control for automatic duty/standby operation

• Floor-mounted tank capable of handling raw sewage

• Simple control panel with alarm function to alert teams to pump faults or maintenance requirements

In high-intensity healthcare environments such as Nightingale Hospitals, equipment reliability is not just desirable – it’s critical.

Extraordinary Support

Recognising the urgency and national significance of the project, Pump Technology Ltd, in conjunction with Jung Pumpen GmbH, donated a number of lifting stations free of charge to support the NHS effort.

A Word from the Managing Director

“The Pump Technology Ltd team remains fully operational and proud to support critical national infrastructure projects like the Nightingale Hospitals. We’re also continuing to assist maintenance companies across the UK during this crisis – helping to keep essential services running smoothly.”
— Jonathan Barker, Managing Director, Pump Technology Ltd

Outcome

The Birmingham NHS Nightingale Hospital is now equipped with reliable, high-capacity wastewater management systems that support safe and sanitary operation across hundreds of beds. Thanks to rapid supply, technical expertise, and strong collaboration, Pump Technology Ltd played a vital role in delivering healthcare infrastructure when the UK needed it most.