We currently delivering a £11m therapy-led rehabilitation unit at Norwich Community Hospital, the Willow Therapy Unit. This 48-bed modular ward will play a crucial role in easing pressure on local acute hospitals, providing a smoother transition for patients and ensuring they receive the focused care they need in a supportive environment.
This project represents a significant milestone for Merit, as it introduces our groundbreaking UltraPOD® SFS Variant for the very first time.
Set for completion in November 2024, the Willow Therapy Unit reflects Merit’s unwavering commitment to innovation, helping to create a brighter future for the healthcare sector with a high-quality solution that truly enhances both patient and staff experience.
- Client: Norfolk Community Health & Care Foundation Trust
- Location: Norwich
- Sector: Healthcare
- Project: Therapy-Led rehabilitation unit
- Value: £11m
Key Features
– Delivering a state-of-the-art £11million therapy-led rehabilitation unit facilitating patient transition from hospital care to community.
– Utilising Merit’s highly-advanced UltraPOD® SFS variant for the first time
– Sustainable-centric design achieved through Merit’s innovative approach
– Health Building Notes (HBN) and Health Technical Memoranda (HTM) compliant in line with the agreed client scope
Challenges and Solution
– Planning approval: Project schedule was of critical importance and it was agreed that Merit would proceed with offsite manufacture before planning was approved.
– Merit’s UltraPOD® SFS variant: this latest state-of-the-art product-based solution, which utilises Merit’s latest roll former, panel line production system to enhance affordability and accessibility through a significantly reduced programme.
– Site constraints and delivery planning: Meticulous planning was essential for coordinating major POD deliveries amidst tight site constraints, necessitating local police escorts for seamless execution.
Key Outcomes
– First-of-its-kind project utilising Merit’s new UltraPOD® SFS Variant.
– Fixed cost delivery: Merit guaranteed early fixed price cost certainty, ensuring that it will deliver the facility to NCH&C’s agreed £11m budget.
– Estimated 85%-95% PMV: This indicates a high degree of offsite manufacturing, significantly reducing onsite construction time, labour and disruption.
– Facility will be Zero Scope 1 Carbon Enabled, EPC-A, and is working towards BREEAM Excellent: The facility meets high environmental standards, with certifications reflecting its sustainability and energy efficiency.