Merit - Delivering a therapy-led unit on site Norwich Community Hospital

Delivering a high-quality, 48-bed modular ward on site at Norwich Community Hospital, at pace and scale.

We currently delivering a £11m therapy-led rehabilitation unit at Norwich Community Hospital, the Willow Therapy Unit. This 48-bed modular ward will play a crucial role in easing pressure on local acute hospitals, providing a smoother transition for patients and ensuring they receive the focused care they need in a supportive environment.

This project represents a significant milestone for Merit, as it introduces our groundbreaking UltraPOD® SFS Variant for the very first time.

Set for completion in November 2024, the Willow Therapy Unit reflects Merit’s unwavering commitment to innovation, helping to create a brighter future for the healthcare sector with a high-quality solution that truly enhances both patient and staff experience.

Client: Norfolk Community Health & Care NHS Trust
Location: Norwich
Sector: Healthcare
Project: Therapy-led rehabilitation unit
Value: £11,000,000

Key Features

Delivering a state-of-the-art £11million therapy-led rehabilitation unit facilitating patient transition from hospital care to community.
Utilising Merit’s highly-advanced UltraPOD® SFS variant for the first time
Sustainable-centric design achieved through Merit’s innovative approach
Health Building Notes (HBN) and Health Technical Memoranda (HTM) compliant in line with the agreed client scope

Challenges and Solution

Planning approval: Project schedule was of critical importance and it was agreed that Merit would proceed with offsite manufacture before planning was approved.
Merit’s UltraPOD® SFS variant: this latest state-of-the-art product-based solution, which utilises Merit’s latest roll former, panel line production system to enhance affordability and accessibility through a significantly reduced programme.
Site constraints and delivery planning: Meticulous planning was essential for coordinating major POD deliveries amidst tight site constraints, necessitating local police escorts for seamless execution.

Key Outcomes

First-of-its-kind project utilising Merit’s new UltraPOD® SFS Variant.
Fixed cost delivery: Merit guaranteed early fixed price cost certainty, ensuring that it will deliver the facility to NCH&C’s agreed £11m budget.
Estimated 85%-95% PMV: This indicates a high degree of offsite manufacturing, significantly reducing onsite construction time, labour and disruption.
Facility will be Zero Scope 1 Carbon Enabled, EPC-A, and is working towards BREEAM Excellent: The facility meets high environmental standards, with certifications reflecting its sustainability and energy efficiency.

Matthew Winn

CEO
Norfolk Community Health & Care NHS Trust (NCH&C)

“
We are extremely pleased to be working with Merit on this important project for the Norfolk and Waveney health and care system. Merit’s experience delivering similar projects for the health and care sector will be invaluable as we look to construct these beds quickly and help to relieve pressure on our local acute hospitals. ”