Client
East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust
Location
Colchester
Western further solidified its reputation for excellence in healthcare construction with the completion of the SNEE Endoscopy Unit at Colchester Hospital.
Designed and delivered for the East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust, the new 2,100m² facility stands on the busy Turner Road hospital campus, where space and time were both at a premium. The unit was conceived to respond to urgent regional demands, significantly improving access to day procedures such as gastrointestinal endoscopy and colonoscopy and helping to reduce waiting lists for patients across the Trust.
Innovative Hybrid Modular Approach
A defining characteristic of this project is its advanced hybrid modular construction. Western integrated robust concrete floors – essential for achieving the stringent load and vibration specifications required for cutting-edge endoscopy suites – with rapidly assembled, prefabricated steel-frame modules. This hybrid solution provided both the flexibility and structural performance demanded by the Trust. It also enabled a much faster construction timeline compared to traditional builds, balancing quality with cost-efficiency, which proved to be a decisive factor in Western’s selection for the job.
Navigating Site and Design Complexities
Undertaking construction within an active hospital site posed notable obstacles. Limited space, ongoing clinical operations nearby, and intricate groundworks – such as the need for piled foundations – demanded careful planning and impeccable coordination. Western successfully overcame these hurdles. Elements of the complex project delivery included the installation of challenging service connections into existing hospital systems and delivering spaces that meet rigorous clinical and regulatory requirements. These included specialist vibration standards for sensitive medical equipment and radiation shielding for designated rooms.
Additional features, including new vehicle charging points, landscaping, and improved roadways, were also incorporated into the programme.
Commitment to Technology and Sustainability
The project benefited from the comprehensive use of Building Information Modelling (BIM), which supported all stages from design through installation. BIM enabled detailed virtual previews, utility coordination, and early resolution of potential issues, reducing risks and keeping the build on track. Demonstrating commitment to environmental goals, the facility achieves an A1 energy rating and ‘Very Good’ BREEAM status, with photovoltaic panels installed to help drive down long-term carbon emissions.
Setting a New Standard
Awarded on the strength of both its technical proposal and competitive pricing, Western’s work on the SNEE Endoscopy Unit sets a new benchmark for modular healthcare projects in the UK. The completed facility is a testament to Western’s leadership in delivering complex, sustainable, and forward-thinking solutions for the NHS and the communities it serves.