Project Overview
Curium Pharma initiated a refurbishment project at Churchill Hospital in Oxford to prepare the existing building for the installation of Cyclotron equipment.
This refurbishment aimed to enhance the facility’s capabilities in medical work and radiopharmaceutical production.
Initially, a thorough asbestos survey was conducted to ensure safety and compliance. Following this, extensive blockwork was executed to create the appropriate spaces for Cyclotron and related operations.
Key components included upgrading mechanical and electrical systems to establish compatibility with the new equipment.
Radiation shielding measures were also implemented to protect staff and comply with the regulatory requirements. Additionally, hygienic doors and epoxy flooring were installed to maintain a clean and safe laboratory environment.
The project also involved providing specialised laboratory furniture, enhancing functionality and workflow within the space. Polyethylene shielding was installed for additional radiation protection, safeguarding both equipment and personnel. External landscaping was also conducted to enhance the facility.
Careful planning was essential to minimise disruption to ongoing hospital operations.
Temporary barriers and protection measures were utilised to ensure safety for staff and patients during construction.
Overall, SDC were integral in setting a new standard for future healthcare facilities, helping Curium Pharma to integrate advanced technology with rigorous safety measures.
Core Team
Gary Wykes
Board Director
Gary started his construction career at 16 as a Trainee Quantity Surveyor, combining hands-on experience with studies at Kettering and Northampton Colleges, where he earned ONC and HNC qualifications. He later obtained a part-time degree from Nottingham Trent University, completing it in five years thanks to his prior qualifications.
In the mid-1980s, Gary worked with a second company, managing projects in Hatfield and Aylesbury, before seeking a role closer to home. Joining SDC in the late 1980s, he progressed from Quantity Surveyor to Senior Quantity Surveyor and then Manager of the Special Projects Division. During the early 1990s recession, Gary played a key role in restructuring the division, which focused on smaller-scale projects. This effort helped position SDC for long-term success in a challenging economic climate.
Appointed to SDC’s Board of Directors in 2003, Gary oversees the Special Projects Division, manages key projects, and contributes to strategic and financial planning. Between 2004 and 2007, he played a role in transitioning SDC to an Employee Benefit Trust (EBT), ensuring stability and employee-centred governance. His leadership alongside the other Board Directors has been pivotal in navigating challenges and ensuring stability.
Gary has fostered enduring relationships with major clients like Jaguar Land Rover and the University of Cambridge, emphasising quality and client satisfaction. Over decades, he has supported SDC’s evolution from a more informal operation to a professional, structured organisation. As the company continues to grow and adapt, he remains committed to supporting its ongoing success and ensuring it is well-positioned to meet future challenges.
Graham Staughton
Special Projects Manager
Graham is one of SDC’s longest-serving employees, having joined the company in 1981. With over 40 years of experience, his career has evolved significantly, and he now leads the day-to-day operations of the Special Projects division. Since his appointment as Department Manager, his leadership and experience have been key drivers in the continued success and growth of the Special Projects Division
Grant Thompson
Commercial Manager
Sally Myers
Senior Quantity Surveyor
Paul Tither
Design Manager
