Offsite construction specialist Merit has been appointed by York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust to design and build a cutting-edge Hybrid Theatre and MRI Facility at York Hospital.
Set for completion in November 2025, the two-storey facility will enhance patient care and accessibility by incorporating an advanced hybrid theatre, an MRI suite, and essential support services.
With this project, the Trust aims to enhance patient care and improve accessibility to advanced medical services in the region.
The two-storey facility will house a cutting-edge hybrid theatre, an MRI suite, essential supporting services, and office spaces.
The design also complies with Health Technical Memoranda (HTM) and Health Building Notes (HBN) regulations
The facility has been developed in close collaboration with clinical teams and end-users to optimise workflow efficiency, enhance patient care, and improve staff functionality.
The design also complies with Health Technical Memoranda (HTM) and Health Building Notes (HBN) regulations, ensuring full adherence to healthcare standards.
Additionally, the future-proof design allows for adaptability and expansion to meet evolving healthcare needs.
Liz Hill, Associate Chief Operating Officer for Surgery at York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “This is an exciting development for the Trust, and we’re delighted to be working in partnership with Merit to deliver excellent diagnostic and vascular care for our patients.
“The new facilities will be a real asset to us, creating a modern, spacious, and innovative MRI suite alongside a state-of-the-art vascular hybrid theatre. These enhancements will allow more patients to be seen, improve patient care, and provide an enhanced working environment for our staff.”
Construction method
Merit’s offsite construction techniques will significantly reduce the project timeline, allowing the Trust to open the facility to patients much sooner than conventional construction methods.
Construction will commence in February at Merit’s smart factory in Cramlington, where the offsite components of the facility will be manufactured.
By leveraging advanced offsite manufacturing processes, the team will conduct simultaneous on-site and off-site operations, ensuring an efficient and streamlined construction process.
Merit’s offsite construction techniques will significantly reduce the project timeline
This approach will not only expedite project delivery but also minimise disruption to the local community, ensuring continued access to healthcare services at York Hospital.
Merit will utilise its FLEXI POD (trademarked) approach, combining traditional construction techniques for the building’s shell and core with an offsite-manufactured fit-out using Pre-Assembled Modules (PAMs) and PODs.
Tony Wells, CEO of Merit, expressed his enthusiasm for the project: “We are thrilled to have been appointed for this groundbreaking healthcare facility. Our team is dedicated to delivering exceptional results that enhance patient care and staff experience. Through our advanced offsite approach, we aim to set a new benchmark for healthcare construction, ensuring a high-quality environment for all.”
Sustainability
Sustainability and innovation are central to the project.
The facility has been designed as a low-carbon, all-electric, energy-efficient building that will operate with Zero Scope 1 Carbon emissions and achieve an EPC-A rating.
Merit’s commitment to sustainability aligns with the NHS’s objectives to reduce carbon emissions and promote environmentally friendly healthcare solutions.
Top image: York Hospital project