Norfolk Community Health and Care NHS Trust (NCH&C) has enlisted the help of Northumberland-based industrialised construction and digital manufacturing expert, Merit, to construct a 48 bed therapy-led unit on the Norwich Community Hospital site in Norfolk. The Willow Therapy Unit, as it has been named, is the first of its kind and aims to improve patient transition from hospital care to the community, while reducing pressure on acute hospitals. Merit’s V6 UltraPOD SFS Variant, an extension of its existing UltraPOD, will form part of the multi-million-pound project, due for completion in June 2024. The facility will feature a range of accommodation types, treatment areas, and a self-service cafe. Using advanced 4D BIM modelling technology and a product-based approach means the project will be delivered faster and at a lower cost.
Tony Wells, CEO at Merit, said, “Merit’s new V6 UltraPOD SFS variant is ideal for this project, bringing enormous advantages in terms of speed, quality, a sustainable centric design, enhanced infection control and affordability.” He added that the innovative product approach contributes to a swift and efficient project delivery and increases the UK healthcare building capability. NCH&C CEO, Matthew Winn, also welcomed the partnership and the Willow Therapy Unit project as a boost to the local healthcare infrastructure, as it will offer patients quality service, reduce pressure on acute hospitals, and enhance community well-being.
At Merit, we strive to innovate and optimize our product offerings. Our new UltraPOD® SFS variant provides a solution to a range of customer problems, while simultaneously increasing overall UK healthcare building capability through our automated industry 4.0 factory solution to provide healthcare facilities of the future.
