McAvoy is at the forefront of delivering innovative modular solutions to alleviate the burden on healthcare facilities. Its work at the University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust (UHB) has proved just how vital this construction strategy can be.
UHB is one of the leading NHS trusts in the UK, employing over 20,000 staff across multiple locations. Faced with an urgent need for additional ward space at Good Hope Hospital and Heartlands Hospital, UHB turned to McAvoy for a fast and efficient solution.
McAvoy’s offsite solution was chosen due to being able to meet the pressing need for new wards quickly and with minimal disruption. Traditional construction methods would have taken considerably longer and caused significant site disruption, particularly challenging in a live hospital environment. The offsite solution ensured that the new accommodation at Good Hope Hospital was operational in just 14 weeks from the delivery of the first module, and 18 weeks at Heartlands Hospital.
The flexible choice
For UHB, a long-term rental solution was the preferred choice. This approach alleviated the need for substantial capital expenditure, providing a tailored financial solution that was both flexible and economical. McAvoy’s SmartCare® rental option offered the Trust a long-term managed service agreement, and the ability to extend the rental period if needed, providing increased flexibility in business planning. This model also allows for potential relocation or repurposing of the accommodation within the current site or at another Trust location in the future.
Tailored modular solutions
McAvoy’s SmartCare® modular solution was tailored to meet UHB’s requirements for two 48-bed wards at both hospital sites. The modular buildings were designed to optimise space and included essential link corridors to existing hospital buildings. Each two-storey building comprised a 24-bed ward on each floor, along with ancillary areas such as utilities, staff rooms, nurses’ stations, reception areas, and toilets.
Due to the site’s proximity to Good Hope Hospital’s emergency department, McAvoy developed a detailed transport and logistics plan and scheduled module deliveries at night to ensure disruption was kept to a minimum. The building’s design also allows for future adaptability, ensuring the spaces can be repurposed or relocated as needed, providing long-term value and flexibility.
Sustainability at the forefront
McAvoy’s SmartCare® modular buildings are designed with sustainability in mind. The new accommodation at Good Hope Hospital achieved near-passive levels of airtightness, an impressive feat for a two-storey building. Enhanced energy and fire protection standards were also achieved and independently verified, providing UHB with a sustainable and adaptable space solution. The focus on sustainability aligns with the NHS’s broader goals of reducing its carbon footprint and improving energy efficiency.
Versatility and quality
McAvoy’s SmartCare® solution offer versatility, being suitable for various applications including clinical and surgical spaces, medical wards, treatment rooms, consultation rooms, laboratories, and GP facilities. The range incorporates the latest in technology-led and compliant design, ensuring enhanced thermal performance, superior airtightness, and U-values that exceed current performance requirements. The modules come in three compatible and interchangeable sizes, up to three storeys high, offering significant design versatility.
This versatility is a critical advantage in the healthcare sector, where the needs can change rapidly. The ability to adapt and reconfigure spaces as needed ensures that the Trust can respond to evolving demands without the need for extensive new construction. This adaptability also extends the lifespan of the modular units, making them a sound investment for the future.
Real life success stories
The successful delivery of the modular wards has been well-received by UHB. Richard Truman, Estates Development Manager at UHB, says: “The delivery of two 48-bed wards to the University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust by McAvoy has enabled us to provide much-needed additional care to our communities. A modular solution was the right choice for us due to the need for additional ward space at both Good Hope Hospital and Heartlands Hospital following the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The projects were delivered on time with minimal disruption, which was vital to us as the wards were being installed in a live hospital environment.”
John Cunningham, Principal Category Manager at NHS Shared Business Services, added: “The NHS Shared Business Services Modular Buildings Framework was created to provide NHS Trusts with the options they need to offer effective patient care. The delivery of two 48-bed wards to the University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust by McAvoy is an example of that being put into practice. The SmartCare rental service that McAvoy has provided to the Trust allows for both stability over a 10-year period, as well as the flexibility to relocate or repurpose the accommodation over that timeframe.”
A future solution for the healthcare sector
The collaboration between McAvoy and UHB has delivered critical infrastructure improvements with speed, efficiency, and cost certainty. The modular solution not only met the immediate needs of the Trust but also provided a flexible and adaptable space for future requirements. This project stands as a testament to the innovative and practical solutions that modular construction can offer to the healthcare sector. The successful and rapid delivery of these modular wards highlights the potential for similar approaches to be adopted across the NHS, providing a blueprint for efficient, sustainable, and flexible healthcare infrastructure development.
Tomas McNicholl, Senior Contracts Manager at McAvoy concludes: “Our work with UHB demonstrates the transformative potential of modular construction in healthcare. By delivering high-quality, sustainable, and adaptable solutions quickly, we can help meet the urgent needs of healthcare providers while setting new standards for the industry.”
For more information visit: www.mcavoygroup.com
Images: The work at UHB goes to show how important volumetric modular construction is to the healthcare estate
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