Modular construction solution specified for new Forth Valley hospital ward

A new 30-bed ward is being designed and built at Forth Valley Royal Hospital in Larbert by modular construction specialist Portakabin.

The ward, which is the final step in the development of the new National Treatment Centre – Forth Valley, has been tipped to enable around 1,500 additional operations to be carried out annually.

It will boast 30 ensuite bedrooms, two of which are specially adapted for bariatric use, along with facilities such as waiting rooms, nurse stations, a multidisciplinary team (MDT) room, consultation room, and a reception.

The ward is being funded with the support of a £17 million national investment for the new National Treatment Centre which includes two additional operating theatres and an additional MRI scanner to increase surgical and diagnostic capacity.

Work is underway, with the ward expected to be operational in early 2023.

Portakabin said that by opting for Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), the ward will be delivered more quickly than traditional construction and still meet the same high standards.

Lee Connolly, head of project design and engineering at Portakabin, said, “With increasing pressure on the NHS, we know how much this new facility will mean to the local community and are delighted to be able to help support staff in continuing to provide high quality, safe and effective health care. The new Forth Valley facility will form part of a network of new National Treatment Centres being developed to increase capacity and reduce waiting times across NHS Scotland.

“A modular solution from Portakabin enables the hospital to quickly adapt to keep up with changing patient demands, without comprising on quality or complexity. The facility has all the capabilities of a typical build with a shorter programme time thanks to the flexibility and speed of modular construction.”