Modular Diagnostic imaging suite provided using off-site construction


Modular Diagnostic imaging suite, Birmingham ModuleCo designed and built the UK’s first modular diagnostic imaging suite. The sophisticated facility for a radiology department was constructed to permanent building standards but with the benefits of off-site construction.

Requirement. Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust required the development of a new Cross Sectional Diagnostic Imaging Suite, after acquiring three new pieces of equipment, which had been partly funded through the Cancer Plan and the New Opportunities Fund. A new facility was required to accommodate the CT scanner and two MRI scanners in just 20 weeks at Birmingham Heartlands Hospital.

		Challenges. In addition to time constraints, the facility was required to be positioned in a tight courtyard in close proximity to existing buildings with no interruption to normal clinical services. The building had to match the external finish of adjacent buildings and had to accommodate the UK’s first open-field scanner, weighing 38 tonnes.

The horseshoe shaped, open-field MRI scanner produces a large amount of electromagnetic radiation, which meant that the building had to incorporate greater protection from electromagnetic interference.

Solution. After demonstrating best value for money, ModuleCo was awarded a contract to design and build a new 500m2 modular diagnostic imaging suite and refurbish a 100m2 neighbouring facility to house one of the scanners. ModuleCo used off-site construction methods. This meant that the building was manufactured under factory conditions and was carefully placed into position by crane on site.

The brick slip finish ensured that the new building would match the existing surrounding structures. A pitched roof was incorporated, demonstrating the versatility of off-site modular construction.

		In order to overcome the high levels of EMI interference that would be generated by the open system scanner, ModuleCo installed a radio frequency (RF) cage using the new Magnashield system produced by Corus. The open scanner, weighing 38 tonnes, was installed into the building in three pieces through an opening in the wall that was later re-fitted, shielded and clad externally.

The new modular diagnostic imaging suite was operational in 20 weeks from the placement of order and was provided to the Trust on a 10-year operating lease. Result. Using modern off-site construction techniques, ModuleCo achieved a desirable timescale, positioned the suite in a tight courtyard with minimal disruption to the hospital and delivered a high performance building with a 'conventional' look. In the words of Dr Lowri Morus, Clinical Director of Birmingham Heartlands Hospital: -

“ModuleCo provided an innovative solution to the Trust’s requirements to house two MR scanners and one CT scanner within a very tight timescale. The new building has blended well with its surroundings and we look forward to a partnership with ModuleCo to ensure that the high specifications required for state of the art Diagnostic Imaging Facilities are maintained and further developed in the future”

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Modular Diagnostic imaging suite, Birmingham