offsite construction


Framework offers savings for NHS trusts


W


ith the increasing use of modular construction across the public sector, Crown


Commercial Services (CCS) recently launched a new framework agreement, providing a simpler, low-cost way to take advantage of this approach. The new RM6014 procurement route


offers an alternative to traditionally-built accommodation, with public-sector customers, including NHS organisations, able to buy or lease modular buildings designed and fabricated to their particular specification.


A total of 24 suppliers have been


awarded places on the framework across seven lots.


Lots 1-4 focus on the healthcare and education sectors, while lots 5 to 7 are for all other sectors, including housing, defence, commercial and retail. Benefits of using the approach include better value for money, standardised pricing, management information, quality service delivery, and better social value and sustainability. Suppliers appointed are: Actaccom, Ashby & Croft, Caledonian Modular,


Cotaplan (Modular Buildings), Darwin Group, Eco Modular Buildings, Elite Systems, Elliott Group, Extraspace Solutions (UK), Ideal Building Systems, Integra Buildings, McAvoy Group, M-AR Off-Site, ModuleCo Healthcare, ModuleCo, Net Zero Buildings, Pickerings Hire, Portakabin, Premier Modular, Reds10 (UK), Rollalong, Wernick Buildings, and Western Building Systems.


Commenting on its appointment to the framework, Elite Systems’ managing director, Marcus Sutcliffe, said: “As a bespoke modular buildings specialist we’re well placed to offer an alternative to the standard ‘one size fits all’ approach taken by some of the larger modular buildings providers.” Eugene Lynch, chief executive of The


McAvoy Group, added: “Long-term frameworks are very important to our


business and are a major source of new contracts, helping us to continue to grow sustainably.


“The advantages of offsite construction for new public-sector facilities are proven and clear. We can reduce the build programmes by up to 50% for earlier occupation and offer significant quality improvements. “Our approach also provides much-


greater certainty of delivery on time and on budget.


“These factors are very important for all public-sector clients – from hospitals to the emergency services.”


Plug-and-play WashPods unveiled M


odular ‘WashPods’ have been launched to help hospitals meet the needs of patients during


building works.


The unique units can be erected inside or outside existing buildings and


are being aimed at hospitals as well as housing associations and local authorities who would be able to put them in people’s homes to enable them to live independently for longer. Lewis Gopshill, general manager of manufacturer, Dignity Access, explains: “The WashPod provides a temporary, accessible wetroom in a self-contained, fully-accessible, plumbed-in box. “They are either positioned externally in the garden or erected within an existing room that can be made available for the purpose.” The WashPod is fully fitted to comply with Part M of the Building Regulations and has been designed by architects specialising in designing for disability. Typical facilities include accessible showers, basins and WCs. External units


install.


also include underfloor heating, and hoisting for transfer purposes can be provided where needed. The external pods can be erected in 2-3 days and can include a covered link into an existing building.


Internal solutions take only a day to The units are constructed offsite and


are re-assembled by an expert team. Both units are `plug and play’ and a purpose-made pump and water heater unit means they are connected into existing cold water supplies. Access to a drain point somewhere within the existing building is then used to pump the waste through a flexible 2ins pipe.


www.dignityaccess.co.uk healthcaredm.co.uk 41


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61