Babylon Health, London: network and security infrastructure across three sites
Our client is a large private health care provider based in London. The client is growing and needed to move into a larger head office and open two new state-of -the-art clinics. They had an existing access control system and network hardware that we needed to replicate and integrate as much as possible and expand where needed.
Babylon Health, London: network and security infrastructure across three sites
Structured cabling, CCTV, access control and video entry delivered across a new London head office and two healthcare clinics, simultaneously.
Babylon Health needed a larger London head office and two new healthcare clinics delivered at the same time, each needing to replicate and expand the company’s existing network and access control platforms. ACCL worked alongside Babylon’s internal IT team, project managers, designers, electricians and other specialist contractors to design and deliver secure, scalable systems built around Babylon’s existing technology standards.
The result
ACCL delivered an extensive integrated network and security infrastructure across Babylon Health’s new London headquarters and two healthcare clinics. The completed programme provided Babylon with:
- Approx. 3,000 Excel Cat6 outlets installed
- 76-camera Hikvision CCTV system
- Paxton access control across 42 doors
- Three integrated video entry systems
- Integration with existing corporate systems
- Landlord security system integration
- Accessibility-focused door control design
- Secure device configuration & documentation
- Reuse of existing UPS infrastructure
- Full system commissioning and handover
Services delivered
Overview
As Babylon Health expanded its operations in London, the company required a larger head office together with two new state-of-the-art healthcare clinics. The three projects required far more than simply installing new technology: Babylon already had established network and access control platforms, and the new sites needed to replicate and expand these systems while introducing additional CCTV, video entry and network infrastructure.
ACCL worked alongside Babylon Health’s internal IT team, project managers, designers, electricians and other specialist contractors to develop and deliver an integrated technology and security infrastructure across all three locations. From the outset, the objective was clear: create secure, practical and scalable systems while making maximum use of Babylon’s existing technology standards and infrastructure.
The challenge
Healthcare environments introduce security and operational requirements that go considerably beyond those of a conventional office. The infrastructure needed to protect staff, visitors, sensitive information and controlled areas while supporting the day-to-day operation of each facility.
Particular consideration had to be given to:
- CCTV coverage and privacy
- Access to controlled areas
- Protection of medication storage
- Data protection
- Integration with existing Babylon systems
- Integration with landlord systems
- Accessibility for mobility-impaired users
- Network and device security
- Resilience of critical equipment
- Coordination with the wider construction programme
ACCL received the initial requirements and worked directly with the project’s key stakeholders to develop them into practical solutions. Rather than simply installing what had originally been specified, we explained the advantages and disadvantages of different approaches so Babylon could make informed decisions for each site. This resulted in subtle differences between the three installations, reflecting the operational requirements of each building.
3,000 Excel Cat6 data outlets
At the heart of the new infrastructure was an extensive Excel Category 6 structured cabling system comprising approximately 3,000 data outlets across the three locations, providing the physical network foundation required to support Babylon’s users and connected building technologies.
With thousands of individual network connections being deployed across three separate projects, coordination with the wider fit-out programme was essential. ACCL worked with the design and construction teams to ensure outlet locations and cable routes aligned with the evolving requirements of each building, resulting in a common Cat6 platform capable of supporting the technology requirements across the new headquarters and healthcare facilities.
76-camera Hikvision CCTV system
Security was a major consideration across the programme, but it needed to be implemented without unnecessarily compromising the privacy of patients, visitors or staff. ACCL installed a Hikvision CCTV solution incorporating 76 cameras across the three sites.
Camera positions were developed in consultation with the client and design team based on the actual operational and security requirements of each location, covering entrances, circulation areas, controlled locations and other areas where surveillance was required. The system was configured with Babylon’s Facilities Manager, who helped define appropriate levels of access for different categories of users and locations.
Paxton access control and integrated video entry
ACCL deployed Paxton access control across 42 controlled doors, allowing Babylon to manage movement into and between secure areas of its headquarters and healthcare facilities. The design accommodated different operational requirements across the three locations, including staff areas, restricted rooms and areas where medication or sensitive information required additional protection. At one location, the solution also had to interact with the building landlord’s existing security infrastructure.
Video entry had not initially formed part of Babylon’s specification. While reviewing how the buildings would operate, ACCL identified locations where allowing staff to see and communicate with visitors before granting access would improve both security and day-to-day operation. A trial system was installed at one entrance and, after proving useful in practice, was extended to a second door at the same site. Video entry was then adopted at the other two locations. Three systems were ultimately installed and integrated with access control, turning a successful trial into a coordinated approach to visitor management across the programme.
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ACCL designed and installed close to 3,000 Cat6 outlets, 76 Hikvision cameras, Paxton access control across 42 doors and three video entry systems for Babylon Health. Talk to us about a similar healthcare project.
Designing accessibility from the outset
An important part of the access control design was ensuring the system worked effectively for mobility-impaired staff and visitors. Accessibility was considered at individual door level rather than being treated as an addition at the end of the project. This included reviewing:
- Push-button positions
- Wheelchair access
- Approach distances
- Button mounting locations
- Automatic door operation
- Door opening and hold-open times
In some locations, additional activation buttons were positioned further back from the doorway on level surfaces, allowing wheelchair users to operate the door before reaching it. Automatic door timings were also configured to provide sufficient time for users with reduced mobility to pass safely through the doorway.
Working within a changing construction programme
All three sites formed part of wider construction and fit-out programmes involving multiple contractors. ACCL became an active member of the overall project delivery team, attending regular meetings and coordinating installation phases with the main construction programme.
As with most major fit-outs, elements of the programme changed as construction progressed. Regular site inspections became an important part of delivery, allowing ACCL to identify situations where the original design could no longer practically be implemented and modify the solution before it affected programme delivery. This ability to adapt became particularly important during the final stages of the project.
Solving a CCTV challenge at handover
During handover at one of the sites, Babylon identified an additional area that required CCTV coverage. Two cameras were already installed nearby, but both provided important views required by the original security design, and redirecting either would have compromised existing coverage. Installing an additional camera was technically possible, but the building finishes had already been completed, and running another cable could have meant reopening finished walls or ceilings.
ACCL proposed a different solution: one of the existing cameras was changed to an ultra-wide-angle Hikvision camera, providing the additional field of view while maintaining the original coverage — additional CCTV coverage without installing another cable, disturbing finished areas or delaying handover.
Adding access control without reopening the building
A similar challenge arose when the client requested an additional controlled door late in the programme. By this stage, the normal cable routes had been closed and the surrounding areas completed, and installing conventional additional cabling would have been difficult, expensive and disruptive.
Rather than reopen finished areas, ACCL reviewed the existing Paxton infrastructure and developed an alternative configuration, using the infrastructure already available to accommodate the additional door controller and provide full access control functionality without installing a new conventional cable route. The client’s revised requirement was achieved with minimal additional cost and no impact on the project completion date.
Network security and IT handover
Babylon’s internal IT team maintained demanding standards for the management and security of every network-connected device. With approximately 3,000 network outlets, 76 CCTV cameras, 42 access-controlled doors and three video entry systems, accurate commissioning, configuration and documentation were particularly important.
ACCL worked closely with the IT team throughout commissioning to ensure installed equipment met those requirements. Firmware was checked and updated where required, and devices and their associated information were fully documented. For the CCTV system, access permissions were established with the Facilities Manager so different categories of users could be given appropriate levels of access to cameras and locations. The Paxton access control system was fully commissioned before being handed over to Babylon for ongoing management, requiring detailed configuration and the structured transfer of meaningful system information to the client’s administrators and data controllers.
Value engineering the UPS infrastructure
ACCL also looked for opportunities to reduce unnecessary capital expenditure. At the new headquarters, the initial design could have resulted in separate UPS systems being installed for three server rooms. During review, ACCL identified that an existing UPS had sufficient capability to support the wider requirement.
Rather than recommend additional equipment, ACCL worked with the electrical contractor to provide dedicated power distribution from the UPS on the first floor to communications infrastructure on the second and third floors. This allowed one existing UPS to support all three server rooms, avoiding the unnecessary purchase of two additional UPS systems — a straightforward piece of value engineering that reduced cost while maintaining the required resilience.
Technologies used
ACCL’s role
This programme required considerably more than the installation of cabling, cameras and door controllers. ACCL provided Babylon Health with a complete integrated infrastructure service across all three sites, including:
- Initial requirements review with key stakeholders
- Approx. 3,000 Excel Cat6 outlets across three sites
- 76-camera Hikvision CCTV system
- Ultra-wide-angle camera upgrade at handover
- Paxton access control across 42 doors
- Three integrated video entry systems
- Integration with Babylon’s corporate systems
- Integration with landlord security systems
- Accessibility-focused door control design
- Coordination with the construction programme
- Regular site inspections and design adaptation
- Late-stage CCTV coverage solved without disruption
- Late-stage access control added without reopening walls
- Firmware checks, device configuration & documentation
- CCTV permissions set with the Facilities Manager
- Full Paxton commissioning and handover
- UPS value engineering across three server rooms
Why this project matters
The Babylon Health project demonstrates ACCL’s ability to deliver large-scale, multi-technology infrastructure across multiple healthcare locations simultaneously. Despite changing requirements and several late-stage challenges, the programme was delivered on time and within budget.
The combination of approximately 3,000 Cat6 outlets, 76 CCTV cameras, 42 controlled doors and three video entry systems also demonstrates that structured cabling, physical security and building technology should not be considered in isolation. By combining technical design, structured cabling, security integration, accessibility considerations and value engineering, ACCL helped create an infrastructure designed around the actual operational requirements of the client. For healthcare providers in particular, where security, privacy, accessibility, network performance and operational continuity must coexist, early involvement of the technology infrastructure contractor can make a significant difference to the finished project.
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Foreword by Wayne
“Babylon Health is a good example of the scale of technology infrastructure that now sits behind a modern healthcare environment. Across the three sites we installed around 3,000 Excel Cat6 outlets, 76 Hikvision cameras, Paxton access control across 42 doors and three video entry systems.But the numbers only tell part of the story. Our role was to understand how each building would actually operate and then work with Babylon’s IT and Facilities teams to develop the solution as the projects progressed.That approach allowed us to solve several late-stage challenges without reopening completed areas, improve the original security design and reuse existing infrastructure where it made commercial and technical sense.For me, that is where an experienced infrastructure contractor adds real value — not simply installing what appears on a drawing, but helping the client achieve a better finished building.”Wayne Connors, Managing Director, ACCL
Frequently asked questions
What did ACCL deliver for Babylon Health?
Across a new London head office and two healthcare clinics, ACCL installed approximately 3,000 Excel Cat6 data outlets, 76 Hikvision CCTV cameras, Paxton access control across 42 doors and three integrated video entry systems.
Why did the three sites need different installation approaches?
Rather than installing what had originally been specified, ACCL explained the advantages and disadvantages of different approaches so Babylon could make informed decisions for each site, resulting in subtle differences between the three installations that reflected each building’s operational requirements.
Was video entry part of Babylon’s original specification?
No. Video entry was introduced as a trial at one entrance after ACCL identified it would improve security and day-to-day operation. Its benefits quickly became apparent and the system was expanded, with three video entry systems ultimately installed and integrated with the access control solution.
How did ACCL solve the late CCTV coverage request without reopening finished areas?
With building finishes already complete, running a new cable would have meant reopening walls or ceilings. Instead, ACCL changed one of the existing cameras to an ultra-wide-angle Hikvision camera, providing the extra field of view while maintaining the original coverage.
How was an additional controlled door added late in the programme?
With cable routes already closed and surrounding areas completed, ACCL reviewed the existing Paxton infrastructure and developed an alternative configuration that accommodated the new door controller without installing a new cable route, at minimal additional cost and with no impact on completion.
How did ACCL make the access control system accessible for mobility-impaired users?
Accessibility was considered at individual door level, covering push-button positions, wheelchair access, approach distances, button mounting and automatic door timings. In some locations, additional activation buttons were positioned further back on level surfaces so wheelchair users could operate the door before reaching it.
How was capital expenditure reduced on the project?
At the new headquarters, ACCL identified that an existing UPS had enough capability to support all three server rooms, and worked with the electrical contractor to provide dedicated power distribution to it, avoiding the purchase of two additional UPS systems.
Was the project delivered on time and within budget?
Yes. Despite changing requirements and several late-stage challenges across three simultaneous fit-outs, the programme was completed on time and within budget.
Delivering secure infrastructure across multiple healthcare sites?
Talk to the team that delivered close to 3,000 Cat6 outlets, 76 Hikvision cameras, Paxton access control across 42 doors and three video entry systems for Babylon Health, on time and within budget.
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