HTM 05-01 Update: A Defining Moment for Fire Safety in Healthcare

Lance provided specialist advice to the NWAFT Backlog Maintenance project teams over past 4 years, including advice on design, fire alarm systems and commissioning of the fire engineered solutions within the new multi-million-pound Theatre building at our Hinchingbrooke Hospital site. This building houses 7 new theatres, with state-of-the art infrastructure.

Lance also assisted, advised and provided specialist fire support for the Stamford Hospital new Day Treatment Unit, which again, is a brand-new state-of-the-art treatment centre, providing local care for local patients. Lance assisted with initial design, pre & post build inspections and fire safety commissioning prior to occupation. During the build, Lance was able to undertake inspections and provide critical fire safety advice to the construction company.

At the Peterborough hospital campus, Lance was the trust chosen and appointed fire engineer for the conversion of the fourth floor to two 35 bed in-patient wards. Lance provided pre-design advice and commissioned the two areas post build. This was a unique project in that escape from ward A17 as known, exceeded advised travel distances. Lance’s commitment, knowledge and dedication assisted the trust by finding an acceptable mitigation deemed suitable by the local fire authority.

To summarise, I fully recommend Lance to any interested party as a competent, qualified, moreover, experienced authorising fire engineer.

My predecessor and senior managers with the Fire Authority spoke highly of the expertise and professionalism shown by Lance, I would strongly endorse their views.

During my time in this role a range of complex issues have been dealt with on the QA site, involving diverse issues that include engineered solutions, specification of the sprinkler installation, atrium fire loading, compartmentation, plant room design, site management, fire investigation, risk assessment, false alarm reduction.

I have found Lance to be unique in that in addition to having a very detailed understanding of legislation standards and codes he has the rarely found ability to apply and communicate relevant requirements.

He is highly respected in this office, I have on many occasions highlighted the results of work to other organisations as outstanding good practice, it is my hope that he will remain in his role for an extended period.

Lance has completed outstanding work for our trust over the past four years as Authorising Fire Engineer.

Lance has always provided top level fire safety expertise and support where required, always making himself available in and out of hours at the end of the phone or via Teams. As a former Royal Air Force Fire-fighter, frontline NHS fire Safety manager, fire alarm engineer, his knowledge base has been gained from these front-line positions.

As a respected and qualified Authorising Fire Engineer, Lance demonstrates a calm but firm approach when it comes to fire safety. He has demonstrated loyalty and commitment to our trust in his role, and this made him a very respected contractor by trust senior management.

Bluelight Fire Engineering have consistently delivered an excellent standard of technical expertise and professionalism. Their engineers bring a depth of knowledge that gives confidence, particularly when navigating complex healthcare environments. At the same time, they remain approachable, supportive, and invested in helping us make informed, safe decisions. 

Their reports and recommendations are clear, their communication is always reliable, their commitment to safety and service is evident in every interaction, and I would not hesitate to recommend Bluelight Fire Engineering to any organisation seeking robust, dependable fire engineering support.

Working alongside the fire team from BlueLight Fire Engineering has had an extremely positive impact on the Trust’s fire safety arrangements and overall compliance standards.

The support provided by our Authorising Engineer (Fire), Lance, goes far beyond the title itself. He is consistently hands-on, approachable and solution-focused, always working collaboratively with the team to achieve the best possible outcomes.

His knowledge, practical support and commitment to high standards of fire safety have been invaluable in strengthening governance, improving compliance and supporting continuous improvement across the Trust.

The relationship has been nothing but positive, and his support has become an integral part of the progress and assurance we continue to achieve.