A new community diagnostic centre (CDC) and surgical hub completed by MTX at Clatterbridge Hospital, Merseyside shows how volumetric design can deliver healthcare projects faster, greener, safer and more cost effectively.
The innovative development to the southeast corner of Clatterbridge Hospital has provided four new Ultraclean theatres and 18 first stage recovery beds in the Cheshire & Merseyside Surgical Centre, which was completed in two phases, whilst the CDC is equipped with a CT scanner and an MRI scanner, alongside staff accommodation and ancillary spaces. The development was completed in just over two years from conception stage to handover.
The first phase of the surgical centre opened in November 2022, with two operating theatres, 12 patient recovery bays and a rooftop plant room. In September 2022, new funding was allocated which allowed a second phase to build two additional theatres. MTX commenced work on the extension before the first phase was handed over – working on the two projects simultaneously, which demonstrated the flexibility of their multi-platform approach.
Phase 2 of the surgical hub was carefully designed as a two-storey extension to ‘wrap round’ and integrate with the first phase, creating a coherent single building.
With all four theatres operational, the new surgical centre can treat 6,000 extra elective patients a year. The centre is one of the national networks of elective surgical hubs created utilising NHS Targeted Investment Fund (TIF), with the aim of clearing the backlog of patients waiting for elective surgery post-pandemic.
The 450sq m single storey CDC is linked to an existing building on the hospital site. The CDC was constructed with 12 modular sections manufactured offsite and delivered for assembly with walls already in place. Once in situ, MEP and FF&E fit out commenced, along with the installation of specialist scanning equipment. A significant quantity of the services equipment was delivered in factory-built, skid-mounted sections for assembly on-site, aligned with the Government’s Construction Playbook and drive for DfMA delivery.
David Hartley, MTX Managing Director commented: “We are delighted that the Wirral University Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust chose MTX to create the new CDC and provide the additional diagnostic facilities. It continues our long-standing partnership with the Trust, which recognises that modern methods of construction (MMC) can deliver new facilities faster than conventional building techniques, whilst maintaining the highest quality.”
Adopting an MMC approach throughout the two-year construction schedule minimised disruption to existing patient pathways, reduced the impact on clinical care, and ensured the entire programme was delivered on time and to budget. The new surgical hub and CDC will provide quicker access to surgery and outpatient procedures for thousands of people across Cheshire and Merseyside, improving the overall patient experience and ensuring better outcomes.
For more information visit: www.mtx.co.uk
Image: Clatterbridge Hospital, community diagnostic centre
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