Norfolk & Norwich University Hospitals Community Diagnostic Centre

On behalf of the Norfolk & Norwich University Hospitals (NNUH) NHS, the NNUH Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) is one of three newly built CDCs in the Norfolk region. This new facility has been designed to enhance and broaden diagnostic services across Norfolk. It will primarily provide timely and accurate diagnoses, with a particular emphasis on conditions such as lung, prostate, and colorectal cancers.

Key Stats

Part of a national £175m diagnostic centre programme and 1 of 3 new Community Diagnostic Centres in the Norfolk area
The new centre features: Five MRI machines, Four CT scanners, Two X-ray machines and Two ultrasound rooms
Overall total 786.7T of carbon saved in 10T challenge
BREEAM Excellent

At a Glance

Client

Norfolk & Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Budget

£25m

Completion

February 2025

Location

Norwich

Framework

NHS SBS

Sector

Health, Acute Care

All about the project

Situated adjacent to the Quadram Institute on the Norwich Research Park, the new facility is part of a broader government initiative to augment hospitals with community diagnostic centres. By offering a variety of services locally, CDCs help alleviate hospital congestion, thereby reducing the pressure on the NHS.

The newly constructed CDC is a single-storey, steel-framed building, encompassing over 40,000 sq ft, equipped with advanced diagnostic technology, including:

Five MRI machines
Four CT scanners
Two X-ray machines
Two ultrasound rooms

Due to the new machinery and the increased power demands required for the facility, a new substation was also installed. Additional facility features include, staff changing and rest areas, offices, reporting rooms, a reception area, waiting areas, and a visitor café. Once fully operational, the centre is expected to serve up to 430 patients daily.

A sustainable facility

From the outset, sustainability was a key driver of the project. In alignment with the NHS’s Net Zero ambitions, the centre was designed to achieve a BREEAM Excellent rating - showcasing best practices in sustainable building design. This has since been achieved, with the facility – which is fully electric - incorporating several sustainable features such as automated lighting, sensor taps in most internal sinks, Air Source Heat Pumps for efficient heating and cooling, PV panels and a commitment to a diesel-free construction site.

The project team also successfully achieved significant carbon reductions, lowering the carbon footprint by an additional 786T. These savings were realised through various strategies, including material changes in the frame, optimising flooring and roof designs, and reusing existing materials on-site. Another example of a key innovation which saved over 233T of CO2 equivalent was accomplished through collaboration with Civil Engineers Rossi Long Consulting, H. Young, and Arcelor Mittal, using XCarb steel (Arcelor Mittal’s recycled steel) and Electric Arc Furnace steel in production.

Overcoming Challenges Through Collaboration

Constructing a building that housed complex medical equipment came with its challenges. The project team needed to ensure that the infrastructure could support highly specialised machinery, particularly the MRI and CT scanners, which required precise environmental conditions.

This is where collaboration became key. Regular communication with turn-key contractors, responsible for fitting out the imaging rooms, ensured that the facility was not only functional but also safe for the delicate technology it would house. By working closely together, the project team enabled the contractor’s early access to the site, allowing them to complete their phase of work sooner.

Innovating with Technology

Delivering a facility of the highest quality was a critical requirement for our client. To ensure this, we conducted regular walkthroughs of the site and workshops whilst documenting any defects using our SIMSgo app. Additionally, we used Gamma AR technology to enhance precision and efficiency during construction, allowing the project team to visualise and plan the build more effectively for optimal results.

Community Engagement

Along with hosting a number of celebratory events during key milestones of the project; ahead of the grand opening of the facility, the team hosted a friends and family day upon initial handover of the building. This was an informal event dedicated to the whole project team, allowing their friends and family to see firsthand, the facility most of their loved ones had been working on for 84 weeks.

The project team also prioritised community involvement throughout the project, substantial Social Value. Initiatives included donating a pool table to the Forge Church charity for youth activities, participating in a 5K charity run for the N&N Charity Trust, and offering work experience opportunities for students from local colleges. These actions highlight the project's dedication to social responsibility and community engagement.

The communication flow I would say is exemplary with Morgan Sindall. They're very understanding and they're very keen to deliver on perfect delivery. They don't just say it, they do deliver it.

Julia Kazimierczak, Head of Major Projects, NNUH