Merit, a UK-based off-site construction specialist, is using modern methods of construction in the build of Berwick’s long-awaited new community hospital.
Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust’s construction partner, Merit, has been building these components since January last year.
The first of the components to be delivered to Berwick’s new community hospital site was two roof PODs, which were lifted by crane onto the top of the hospital building, its permanent home.
A further six PODs are due to be delivered.
In total 712 pre-assembled modules (PAMs), 52 fully fitted bathrooms PODs and 17 roof PODs will be transported from Merit’s factory in Cramlington to north Northumberland over the course of the next five to six months and will be installed on the roof and within the hospital’s two-storey steel frame.
Merit is using modern methods of construction in the build of Berwick’s long-awaited new community hospital
The PAMs will be installed within ceiling voids and house the hospital services, including plumbing, lighting, heating, and ventilation.
The roof PODs, which will sit on top of the building, contain the equipment needed to distribute services throughout the hospital.
Mark Brough, Project Manager at Merit, said: "The offsite components of the facility will be delivered to site over the next five to six months and has been planned out with meticulous detail."
"Our priority is to ensure the seamless delivery of all components, whilst also minimising disruption to the local community where possible," Brough said. "I’m looking forward to seeing this project progress further, and once operational, this state-of-the-art hospital will benefit the wider community and beyond."
The first of the components to be delivered to Berwick’s new community hospital site was two roof PODs
Damon Kent, Managing Director of Northumbria Healthcare Facilities Management, said: "To reach such a key milestone in this extremely important project for the trust, patients and staff, is very exciting and an achievement for all involved. A huge amount of detailed planning has gone into the transportation of these modules, and I know that Merit will do everything to minimise any disruption and ensure that everything is done in a safe manner."
"Navigating the narrow residential streets near the hospital site is something that has been considered very carefully," Kent explained. "This phase of the project really shines a light on the benefits of using what is referred to as ‘modern methods of construction’. The main advantages of this method include a very high-quality product and progress not being affected by weather. I am really looking forward to seeing things progress at pace on site from now."
The local community has seen the hospital develop week by week and this exciting phase will begin the transformation of what is currently a steel frame into a modern and innovative building which will transform the way healthcare is delivered to those who live in Berwick and further afield.
Top image: The Berwick’s new community hospital site