Cramlington-based Merit, the leading industrialised construction and digital manufacturing specialist in the UK, has transported its first Air Handling Unit(AHU POD) to Norwich Community Hospital. Weighing 20.5 tonnes, the AHU POD travelled 300 miles from the North East to Norfolk, and marks the first offsite component delivered for the new therapy-led rehabilitation unit.
Earlier this year, Merit announced the multi-million-pound project in collaboration with Norfolk Community Health and Care NHS Trust. Utilising 4D BIM modelling technology and the new V6 UltraPOD® SFS Variant, Merit aims to complete the new unit by August 2024, promising a faster and more cost-effective construction schedule with a focus on sustainability. The project is the first to employ the V6 UltraPOD® SFS Variant, an extension of the successful UltraPOD® used in various healthcare, biotech and pharmaceutical facilities across the UK, including the new community hospital in Berwick and Solihull Hospital’s new Elective Hub. The V6 UltraPOD® SFS Variant enhances affordability and accessibility through a significantly reduced programme, using Merit’s latest roll former and panel line production system. The V6 platform is rated BREEAM Excellent, EPC-A and consumes 69% less energy than current CIBSE hospital benchmarks. Upon completion, the new facility will feature 48 beds in single and four-bedded bays, treatment areas, an assessment kitchen, a self-service café and a reception area. The Willow Therapy Unit will focus on therapy-led services, facilitating smooth transitions from hospital to community care and alleviating pressures on local acute hospitals.
