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Medtronic Modular Cath Lab Recovery Unit

Client: Medtronic (NHS Site)
Project:12 Bed Modular Cath Lab Recovery Extension
Contractor: Actiform
Proposal Date: December 2022
Project Value: £1.5M

Project Overview

To support growing patient demand and tackle elective care waiting lists, Medtronic commissioned a modular extension to an existing Catheterisation Laboratory (Cath Lab) Recovery facility. The proposed solution—developed and delivered by Actiform—offered the flexibility of an 12-bed modular recovery unit, providing immediate clinical capacity while maintaining full compliance with healthcare design standards.

Designed for rapid implementation, the modular solution aligned with Medtronic’s long-term healthcare strategy, which includes both cost-effectiveness and sustainability. The building’s carbon-neutral construction approach reflects a strong commitment to environmentally responsible healthcare delivery.

Scope of Works

The scope of the modular build included the full off-site manufacture, delivery, and on-site assembly of a fully integrated recovery facility. Works covered:

  • Siteworks and enabling to prepare foundations and service connections.
  • Modular construction including manufacture of the structural steel-framed units.
  • Design services, from concept development to final compliance with HTM/HBN guidance and statutory building regulations.
  • Installation of internal partitions, mechanical and electrical systems, fire detection and protection systems.
  • Fit-out including finishes, fixtures, and infrastructure required for clinical use (furniture was to be supplied by others).

The facility was designed to operate independently or as part of a broader clinical pathway, and Actiform’s modular solution allowed for potential expansion with further units (e.g., for imaging or diagnostics) at a later date.

Design Specification

The design and construction of the modular Cath Lab Recovery Extension were carried out to meet the following specifications and standards:

Structural and Building Regulations

  • Designed in accordance with Eurocode BS EN standards including wind and snow loading, steel structure design, and fire protection.
  • Compliant with all relevant sections of the Building Regulations, including:
    • Part A (Structure)
    • Part B (Fire Safety)
    • Part M (Access to and use of buildings)
    • Part L (Conservation of fuel and power), among others.

Building Fabric

  • Steel-framed modular structure with durable floor, wall, and ceiling construction.
  • High-performance insulation to meet L2A (2014 amended 2016) energy efficiency requirements.
  • High-specification external cladding and roofing, ensuring low maintenance and weather resistance.
  • Fire-rated doors, windows with integrated blinds, and DDA-compliant access throughout.

Mechanical and Electrical Design

  • HVAC systems designed for clinical recovery areas, maintaining strict environmental control.
  • Electrical design included:
    • Full lighting and power systems
    • Emergency lighting
    • Nurse call and data systems
    • Fire alarm and detection systems
  • Provisions for future maintenance and safe access in line with CIRIA C686 guidance.

Internal Finishes

  • Hygienic wall coverings and impact-resistant finishes throughout patient areas.
  • Non-slip clinical flooring systems compliant with infection control standards.
  • Suspended ceilings incorporating lighting and services.
  • All decoration and floor finishes suited to the healthcare environment.

Sustainability & Environmental Impact

A core driver of this proposal was Actiform’s ability to deliver a carbon-neutral modular solution. By reducing the carbon footprint typically associated with traditional builds—particularly energy-intensive hospital plant rooms—the recovery unit supports the NHS drive toward sustainable infrastructure.

The modular approach significantly reduced time on site, minimised disruption to hospital operations, and improved safety. The factory-controlled environment also allowed for waste reduction and ensured higher build consistency and quality.

Summary

This modular recovery unit represents a modern, compliant, and sustainable response to increasing pressures on NHS capacity. The Cath Lab Recovery Extension provides a flexible, high-spec clinical space that can be operational within weeks—ensuring patients receive timely, safe care in a future-ready facility.

Working closely with estates and clinical leads, Actiform supported the design development for the transformation of our clinical emergency care services for the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow. This involved a complete design and build modular construction to complement the creation of a state-of-the-art emergency care service.

Actiform helped us to embrace the opportunities presented by a new modular build clinical space with appropriate technology to create and support a new model of service that responds to changing clinical needs, meets the trust’s corporate objectives, and complies with sector building performance targets that we will need to meet.

The Actiform team mapped out the route to move away from the traditional siloed traditional structures, facilitating the opportunity to adopt a more flexible and adaptable approach to support services that will be complimented by technology, and support our digital clinical strategy development.

The Actiform project team worked ‘hand in hand’ with their design team to create a future focused build that rethinks the way a NHS trust delivers modular construction within a conventional ageing and varied built environment, and that is integrated into the core operation of the hospital. The completed build environment was an integral part of the overall strategy for the new emergency care services.

Pasqualino Risi, Associate director of Estates and Facilities, Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust

The whole team at Actiform provide an outstanding level of customer service. Their knowledge of modular building and taking our design thoughts and turning these working collaboratively into completed projects makes working with the team very enjoyable.

Actiform have a very good network of dependable third-party trades which complement the experience and push the art of the possible in terms of innovation.

Not really sure what you could do better as when we raise issues they are dealt with in a timely manner, and you have good processes to ensure we never experience the same issue twice.

Steve Wilcock, Chief Operating Officer, TAC Healthcare

The service we received from Actiform in acquiring additional modular office space was exceptional. From the initial flexibility around design to meet our needs, through to achieving delivery and install on time was first class. Nothing was too much trouble and the communication throughout the process was excellent, whilst providing a value for money solution.

Steve Preston, Operations Manager, Leeds Federated Housing Association

Having used Actiform to supply a large compound set up on a Smart Motorway project, the service received was second to none. From the initial enquiry to the final installation, all aspects of the project went to plan. The cabin design and layout was revised on numerous occasions and no request or alteration seemed to be too much trouble. All communication, planning and installation was very collaborative and all key dates and deadlines were actually completed ahead of programme.

Corin Feltham in particular offered his wealth of knowledge and experience throughout the process along with introducing some excellent ideas to save both time and money. All in all a good experience working with Actiform and I wouldn’t hesitate to use them again on other schemes.

Dave Wright, Site Agent, Kier Highways

Back in the autumn of 2015 we had a requirement to procure offices and welfare facilities of 3,000m2 plus over 3 floors for our Tideway-East project in Bermondsey, London.

We went out to tender and Actiform provided a construction package that we eventually purchased. Right from the start – sales , tender, design, manufacture, installation and aftercare support, Actiform have been very professional, proactive and suggested cost saving solutions without compromising our facilities. Their site installation team had all the correct RAMS and certification to carry out our installation in a planned and well organised time scale.

From the beginning both parties, CVB JV and Actiform, have worked openly and honestly together and we have an excellent working relationship. I cannot praise Actiform enough and would certainly recommend them to any prospective client.

Gordon Alexander, CVB JV