Chesterfield-based Polar Windows has secured a minimum three-year partnership agreement with Chesterfield Hospital to replace initially more than 600 windows in the 1970's built hospital complex. Polar Windows produces high performance PVC-u windows in a wide range of opening configurations and last year achieved BM TRADA Certification's Q-Mark for enhanced security windows and for both PVC-u window and insulating glass Unit (IGU) manufacture. Business Development Manager for Polar Windows, Rob Hawkins, said,' The windows in large sections of the hospital desperately need to be replaced, including in the wards, intensive care and recovery rooms'.

This poses a tough contract management challenge for the company, as medical staff will often have to ask the window installers to 'come back later' as patient needs demand.

Mr Hawkins explained, however, 'We had already replaced the windows in the nurses' accommodation and had impressed the hospital with the way we managed the project.

If we have to stop work in one area we move to another'.

Other challenges to face include the hospital ban on the use of mobile phones.

To overcome this, Polar Windows has armed its supervisors and fitters with pagers so that they can maintain two-way contact, especially when they have to move out of clinical areas at a moment's notice.