Kingston Hospital benefits from the versatility of modular construction

Modular construction leader, Wernick Buildings, has recently completed two state-of-the-art healthcare clinics in Greater London, showcasing their expertise in delivering innovative and efficient solutions to meet the evolving needs of the healthcare sector. The project arose from Kingston Hospital NHS Foundation Trust’s requirement for a purpose-built unit to replace their aged outpatient services for gynaecology, audiology, and ear, nose, and throat (ENT) departments. Wernick Buildings presented a comprehensive turnkey solution that encompassed all aspects of the project, including design, groundworks, and service connections; ensuring a seamless and efficient delivery process.

The first completed building, known as the Gynaecology Outpatient Clinic (Willow Building), was delivered by Wernick in late 2022. The two-storey block was meticulously designed to cater specifically to outpatient needs, featuring well-appointed consultation areas, procedure and recovery rooms, staff offices, changing facilities, and accessible toilets. The reception and waiting area were thoughtfully designed with an open floor plan, creating a welcoming and spacious environment that prioritises patient comfort and convenience. The Willow Building, constructed from 30 modules, boasts an impressive exterior with sleek cladding, photovoltaics (PV) panels, and a modern plant room located on the second storey. Throughout the design process, valuable input from clinic nurses, doctors, and staff was also incorporated, ensuring that their specific needs and preferences were met. Clinical Director, Meena Shankar, expressed her satisfaction with the new clinic. She commented, “The building was ready to use very quickly and is very modern and comfortable. We were excited about being involved with the design team from the beginning to get exactly what we wanted.”

The second clinic, known as the Aspen Building, which houses the Audiology and ENT departments, was completed in the spring of 2023. This facility encompasses a range of modern features to enhance patient care and comfort. The interior houses specialised amenities such as audio sound booths, audiology rooms for fitting hearing aids, consulting rooms, an ear lab, and clean/dirty utility rooms. Staff facilities and waiting rooms have also been incorporated to ensure a seamless experience for both patients and healthcare professionals. Externally, the building exhibits a striking architectural design. To maximise space, the building was also built on top of a steel gantry, with car parking spaces underneath. This required precise execution.

As the Kingston ENT Building welcomes its first patients, the positive impact on the community and the healthcare client is evident. This modern facility has the potential to revolutionise audiology and ENT services in the region. Wernick worked closely with ADP Architecture, an organisation with over 50 years of experience delivering projects to the healthcare sector, to ensure the seamless integration of functional and aesthetic elements.

Transporting and installing the modular components posed several challenges due to the constrained location of the building site. The Wernick construction team had to navigate through a dense and bustling area, surrounded by roads and located near the hospital entrance and Emergency Department. With their in-house teams overseeing the design, manufacture, and installation processes, clients benefit from a streamlined and seamless experience, with a single point of contact throughout the project.

With the UK construction sector aiming to be carbon neutral by 2050, modular construction methods offer a perfect sustainable solution. Much of the manufacturing process involved in a project such as Kingston Hospital happens in a factory-controlled environment, greatly reducing waste. In addition, the enhanced quality achieved through factory manufacture results in improved building performance, lower running costs, and reduced carbon emissions. The appeal of offsite construction methods to NHS trusts lies in their ability to significantly reduce build times, enabling healthcare facilities to become operational in a matter of months rather than years.

This has accelerated the adoption of modular solutions with an urgency for quick and cost-effective solutions becoming more apparent. Modular construction methods offer a solution as buildings are designed to be flexible and able to cater to a range of needs. Beyond incorporating standard NHS specifications, modular construction allows clients the opportunity to create bespoke building designs tailored to their specific needs and preferences. This flexibility, combined with a collaborative approach ensures that the outcome of the Kingston Hospital clinics meets client expectations, and delivers high-quality healthcare infrastructure.

For more information on Kingston Hospital benefits from the versatility of modular construction talk to Wernick Buildings Ltd