Merit, a UK-based offsite construction specialist, has delivered seven of its major UltraPOD (trademarked) units that will form the core of the new Same Day Emergency Care (SDEC) Unit at Bedford Hospital.
Appointed by the Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Merit’s proprietary UltraPOD SFS variant is at the heart of this cutting-edge facility.
A 450-tonne crane expertly lifted and positioned the seven UltraPODs on site, marking a substantial advancement in the project's timeline.
A 450-tonne crane expertly lifted and positioned the seven UltraPODs on site
This customisable, full-building solution harnesses advanced offsite manufacturing techniques, aiming to offer faster and more cost-effective construction.
Merit says that this “industrialised approach” to building addresses the urgent demand for efficient healthcare delivery while prioritising sustainability.
This project milestone follows Merit’s approval to commence offsite manufacturing at its factory in December 2024.
This customisable, full-building solution harnesses advanced offsite manufacturing techniques
Merit’s team pre-manufactured 85% of the UltraPOD units, incorporating all mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) services.
This approach not only accelerates construction timelines but also ensures quality control at every stage.
Once operational, the new SDEC Unit will include consultation rooms, clinical management rooms, examination rooms, and assessment areas. It will also feature a range of supporting services, providing a comprehensive suite of same-day healthcare services at Bedford Hospital.