MTX fast-track “Project Speed” for the NHS

MTX has been proud to be a part of “Project Speed” at Hereford County Hospital, and even prouder to be a part of the broader strategy introduced by the UK Government.

The build better, build greener, builder faster approach to construction was introduced by Prime Minister earlier this year. At the time of announcing the project, Johnson promised a £3 billion capital investment into the NHS. As part of this Project Speed, MTX was delighted to host the Prime Minister when he visited the £12 million fast-track ward construction project at Hereford County Hospital.

The visit from Boris Johnson was warmly welcomed, as MTX were keen to show off the progress on this facility. The project will provide the NHS with 72 more beds across three wards in 11 months. Each ward will be fitted out with state-of-the-art equipment. MTX was able to demonstrate how the modular methods employed could reduce the build time on such a project by 50%. It also showed that not only could it be done quicker, but the results were even better for the environment and to the highest standards.

The project at Hereford County Hospital proved that modular, offsite construction was the way to deliver construction that is better, greener, and faster.

Why does MTX “build better”?

The modular construction methods used by MTX are engineered solutions. They have been designed and refined in the factory setting and so passed rigorous quality control (QC) processes.

However, there are other reasons that this is a “build better” model. The offsite construction means there are fewer vehicle movements on and to the site. When you are working with a live environment, such as a hospital, this is a positive consequence of offsite working. It also means there are fewer builders on site, who could be adding to health and safety concerns and noise issues.

In short, MTX “build better” because it is safer and it reduces the levels of disruption on the site, which in this case is a hospital.

Why does MTX “build greener”?

When you deal with standard, engineered components, you avoid waste of resources in two ways. First, there is no over-ordering to make sure there are enough parts on-site to complete the build. The supply chain is controlled as a factory would be, and any components not used on this build can be used on the next.

Second, as the modular builds can be deconstructed the same way as they are constructed, there are more ways in which parts can be recycled. In short, there is much less material waste sent to land waste thanks to modular construction.

Finally, and not inconsiderable considering the issues of climate change, there are reduced carbon emissions during construction. There is less heavy road traffic to and from the site, and there are less heavy-duty machines needed to complete the construction. Also, the management of resources means less carbon created elsewhere in the supply chain.

Why does MTX “build faster”?

Finally, the 50% quicker build time on a state-of-the-art hospital ward is not to be underestimated when the need for hospital space is so desperately needed. When a project can guarantee prompt delivery, there is also a better guarantee of budget too. There is little need for a contingency budget, as there is little likelihood of delay due to the weather. Shortages in skilled contractors, which can fall foul of dependencies, are countered because the craftsmen work at the factory on a conveyor belt system.

There are other reasons that modular construction can guarantee tight deadlines. The substructure and the superstructure are constructed at the same time. Therefore, once the groundwork is done, the building can be delivered completed. Then, all that needs to happen is the mechanical and electrical fit-out before it is ready for delivery to the customer. MEP is also sped up because it is also possible to use pre-manufactured services, as well as complete the finishes offsite too.

It is a smarter way to build

While people still hold prejudices that modular builds are akin to the prefab buildings of old, nothing could be further from the truth. These modular wards delivered to this hospital will offer the highest-quality facilities for the doctors, nurses, and patients. It just happens that these buildings can be delivered quickly and are better for the environment. This is the solution to the Governments demand to build faster, greener and better.