MTX is progressing groundworks on site while simultaneously modular sections of the building are under construction within a factory production environment, using MMC principles to complete the new facility ‘faster, safer, greener, and more cost-effectively’.
The three-storey building will include a dedicated breast care diagnostic and outpatient unit providing a ‘one stop’ service for patients, and an imaging centre delivering increased capacity and capability, with advanced diagnostic imaging equipment including three CT scanners, two MRI scanners, and two gamma cameras.
In all, 74 inpatient beds will be provided across two storeys, with a combination of single rooms and four-bed bays. The new diagnostic facility will be linked to the main hospital building to facilitate access and delivery of services. Utilising MMC principles, MTX says it will deliver the facilities within a build schedule reduced by up to 50% compared with the conventional building methods. The MMC process will also aim to reduce waste by up to 60% using offsite manufacturing techniques.
Neil Dardis, CEO of Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust (FHFT), said: “This is a significant investment that will help us continue to deliver high standards of care for our patients as we wait for our New Frimley Park Hospital. As part of that project we will be looking at how we can continue to use this new building, along with other suitable areas of our current hospital site, as part of our healthcare facilities in the future with the development of the new hospital.”
The additional beds will help the hospital reduce elective waiting lists, allow it to better cope with COVID and seasonal pressures, and enable ward refurbishments and remedial work for areas affected by RAAC (reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete).
The image shows a visualisation of the new £49 million diagnostic and imaging centre.