A £25 million Community Diagnostic Centre at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (NNUH) was officially opened in late April by His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Norfolk, The Lady Dannatt MBE, marking a significant milestone for local healthcare services.
NNUH’s new facility will bring state-of-the-art medical facilities to the people of Norfolk and Waveney, providing them with faster access to X-Ray, MRI, Ultrasound and CT diagnostic imaging services. This means waiting times will be reduced for patients alongside a decrease in the length of time between being referred for tests, having appointments, getting results, and beginning any necessary treatment.
During the event Lady Dannatt, who is the patron of the N&N Hospitals Charity, had a tour of the patient-centred unit and unveiled a commemorative plaque.
The project, which was procured through the NHS Shared Business Services (SBS) framework, was delivered on behalf of Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (NNUH) by Morgan Sindall Construction’s Eastern Counties business and was designed by international architects NBBJ.
The NNUH Diagnostic Centre features five MRI machines, four CT scanners, two Ultrasound rooms and two X-Ray machines. The 40,000 sq. ft structure is situated on the Norwich Research Park and in keeping with the rest of the University Hospital estate, Morgan Sindall has installed a steel frame with brick façade.
The building is designed to blend seamlessly with the surrounding campus and the nearby Quadram Institute, also designed by NBBJ. The design is simple and elegant, providing a welcoming environment for all.
Spaces are open and filled with natural daylight, creating a bright and airy atmosphere. Clear wayfinding systems have been implemented to help patients navigate the facility easily and comfortably.
As part of Morgan Sindall’s Intelligent Solutions approach to decarbonisation, the team implemented carbon reduction measures throughout the design and construction process. A central aspect of this was using Morgan Sindall’s digital carbon reduction tool CarboniCa to help reduce carbon outputs across the building’s lifecycle. This led to a total carbon saving of 786.9 tonnes CO2e during the project, which is equivalent to heating 291 UK homes for a year.
The business has a strong track record in delivering high-end healthcare facilities. This includes a new Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) that has been constructed at Newmarket Community Hospital for West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust and the tier one contractor has also been appointed to create a new CDC at St Margaret’s Hospital in Epping.
Alister Broadberry, Area Director for Morgan Sindall Construction in the Eastern Counties, said: “It has been a pleasure working alongside Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals Trust on this project, which will have a significant impact on the lives of the people of Norfolk and Waveney as they are able to access vital diagnostic imaging more quickly, which will, in turn improve overall health outcomes.
“Delivering this new, state-of-the-art facility is an incredible accomplishment for us, and we can’t wait to see the impact of the important work that can take place as a result of the efforts of our team, NNUH, and the supply chain.”
