Sector

Transforming healthcare: rapid implementation of an innovative offsite solution at Bedford Hospital in just 8 months

In January 2025, Merit was appointed to design and deliver the new Same Day Emergency Care (SDEC) Unit at Bedford Hospital, a facility aimed at addressing the urgent healthcare needs of the local community.

The SDEC Unit offers a comprehensive range of healthcare services designed for immediate patient care at Bedford Hospital. By leveraging innovative construction methods, Merit commenced offsite manufacturing works in January. This strategic approach enabled simultaneous offsite and onsite works, culminating in the rapid completion of the facility in August 2025; only 8 months after project award!

At the heart of the project lies Merit’s UltraPOD® SFS variant, an expandable, customisable full-building solution. This invaluable healthcare facility not only enhances patient comfort but also streamlines care delivery, significantly reducing wait times and improving access to urgent medical assistance.

Collaboration was key throughout the facility build; the design process incorporated extensive input from clinicians and healthcare professionals, ensuring that the facility met the highest standards of care and operational efficiency.

Throughout the project, Merit emphasised innovation and teamwork, conducting client workshops focused on technical excellence and quality assurance while adhering to budget constraints.

The new SDEC Unit at Bedford Hospital stands as a testament to Merit's capability to rapidly deliver high-quality healthcare solutions tailored to meet community needs.

Client: Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Location: Bedford
Sector: Healthcare
Project: Same Day Emergency Care (SDEC) Unit

Key Features

Utilises Merit’s UltraPOD® SFS Variant, Merit’s expandable and customizable full-building solution.
Offsite manufacturing began in January at Merit’s Cramlington-based smart factory.
Focuses on enhancing patient comfort and optimising care delivery to reduce wait times.
Designed collaboratively with clinicals and healthcare professionals to ensure the highest standard of care.

View the project video

Key Outcomes

90% Pre-Manufactured Value (PMV): Indicates a high degree of offsite manufacturing, significantly reducing on site construction, time and labour.
Facility design is validated to key regulatory requirements such as Health Business Notes (HBN) and Health Technical Memoranda (HTM).
Fast-tracked programme: delivered in just 8 months!