ModuleCo Healthcare, in collaboration with manufacturing partner, ModuleCo, delivered a bespoke modular theatre and ward complex at the Royal Berkshire Hospital. Comprising four modular orthopaedic operating theatres, a recovery bay and 24-bed ward, the project was completed over two phases with each just 24 weeks, from order to handover.

Modular construction offered a much-needed time and cost-effective solution to the Trust. MCH had already delivered a modular theatre and ward complex in 2007 with the new facility forming an extension of the existing modular structure. As part of the project, MCH also undertook refurbishment works to bring the two facilities together into a single, seamless unit.

Minimising disruption to busy hospital sites is always an important priority when undertaking works at a working NHS Trust. An offsite approach reduces this disruption, with most of the design, construction and snagging being completed in a factory environment.

Another important aspect of the installation schedule was that the Trust did not want the on-site works to interrupt their busy surgical schedule, so retaining use of the existing modular operating theatres was crucial.

MCH was able to align the install strategy with the existing theatre schedule and plan any particularly noisy or disruptive works around this, allowing the Trust to achieve its targets for surgical delivery.

The Royal Berkshire Hospital needed a quick solution to mounting winter pressures that wouldn’t compromise on their ongoing service delivery, and which could be facilitated without the need for upfront capital.

MCH was able to develop a structured finance solution which included the design and construction works, as well as the ongoing management of the facility via a Managed Service Agreement.

Thanks to this flexible solution, Royal Berkshire was able to benefit from their new facility within just six months, with the costs for the entire project included into a fixed monthly fee. This meant there was no need to compromise on overall quality and the Trust could benefit from an industry-leading facility and accompanying equipment without having to find the budget to pay for it all at once.

Finance Head of Planned Care at Royal Berkshire Hospital, said:

“ModuleCo Healthcare provided the Trust with a full turnkey solution for a temporary day surgery facility. Their design team worked the scheme up with the end-users and assisted with the local planners to ensure it met all our requirements.”