Three new orthopaedic operating theatres being built at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge by MTX using Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) are part of a national scheme to deliver more than 50 new surgical hubs across England.
MTX, which employs MMC processes to deliver what it says is ‘faster, greener and more cost- effective completion’, is currently preparing the site in a former car park with delivery of the factory-manufactured building sections scheduled for early 2023. Once they are assembled with floor screeds, the internal and external finishes, furniture, fittings, and equipment, and MEP elements of the project will be completed.
The new theatres will be used primarily for orthopaedic operations to help ease waiting lists for routine knee and hip operations. Located opposite the Rosie Hospital, they will connect with P&Q Wards to provide dedicated surgical beds for patients recovering from planned operations. MTX is also upgrading the ventilation systems for the P&Q Wards originally built as part of the COVID-19 response.
The overall size of new building is more than 2500 m², including a self-contained plant room located on top of the unit housing seven air-handling units to serve the three theatres and deliver the clean air vital for rapid recovery of orthopaedic surgery patients.
As the main contractor, MTX is working with multiple partners to create the new theatres, including Howorth Air Technology for the clean air systems within the theatres.
The new theatres are sited close to the hospital’s helipad, so special care has been taken in designing site movements and in the use of cranes. MTX has extensive experience of minimising impact on existing clinical services and patients while working in busy locations within hospital sites, and has worked closely with other construction companies located around the site to produce logistics plans.
MTX MD, David Hartley, explained: “Operating theatres and other facilities created for NHS Trusts by MTX are specifically engineered for medical use, with the unit at Addenbrooke’s Hospital equipped with ventilation systems designed to optimise clean air flow and meet clinical needs. Our expertise in more effectively applying MMC principles is proven to deliver high- quality new hospital facilities more quickly and cost effectively.”
Addenbrooke's Hospital is an internationally renowned teaching hospital and research centre, with strong affiliations to the University of Cambridge. Based on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus, it is run by Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
The new surgical hubs across England will focus mainly on providing high-volume, low complexity surgery, as recommended by the Royal College of Surgeons. Located on existing hospital sites, they bring together the skills and expertise of staff under one roof – reducing waiting times for some of the most common procedures, such as cataract surgeries and hip replacements.
