A major project to create a new outpatients department at Stepping Hill Hospital in Stockport is now well underway, supporting the long-term sustainability plans of Stockport NHS Foundation Trust.
The £24.3 million development is being delivered by MTX Contracts, utilising advanced modern methods of construction (MMC) that offer significant environmental benefits.
The project forms a key part of the Trust’s strategy to modernise healthcare provision and improve services for the half a million patients who visit the hospital each year.
Stepping Hill Hospital serves as a specialist hub for emergency and high-risk general surgery — one of only four centres of its kind in Greater Manchester.
The project employs modern methods of construction techniques, which are estimated to produce up to 45% less carbon emissions
The new outpatient facility aims to enhance patient care by providing a modern, purpose-built environment to house multiple consulting rooms, dental treatment and procedure rooms, along with waiting areas and patient amenities. The building’s second floor will accommodate plant and ancillary equipment.
The project employs modern methods of construction techniques, which are estimated to produce up to 45% less carbon emissions compared to traditional construction methods, without compromising build quality.
The use of structural steel modules also enables the incorporation of lighter materials, reducing the number of vehicle movements to the site and further cutting carbon emissions.
The new building replaces the former ‘Outpatients B’ facility, which was closed and demolished in November 2023.
Construction involves the assembly of 86 factory-manufactured structural steel units
Services previously housed there have been temporarily relocated but will soon be brought together under one roof, equipped with the latest healthcare infrastructure.
Construction involves the assembly of 86 factory-manufactured structural steel units, which were craned into position earlier this year.
Once installed, the structure was made weatherproof, and concrete floors were poured to achieve a durable, high-quality finish.
Many of the mechanical and electrical systems, including air handling units, have also been manufactured off-site under controlled conditions, ready for installation and final commissioning.
The development site, formerly home to hospital wards, presented a number of logistical challenges
While the modular units were in production, MTX prepared the hospital site by carrying out extensive groundworks, enabling several aspects of the project to progress in parallel.
This streamlined approach is one of the key advantages of modern construction methods, offering faster, greener, safer, and more cost-effective project delivery while upholding rigorous standards of quality.
The development site, formerly home to hospital wards, presented a number of logistical challenges.
MTX was required to safely remove existing structures containing asbestos and manage an abandoned subterranean plant room.
The logistical difficulties in transporting the many large modules which make up this building are immense
Additionally, a live multi-service trench running through the construction area necessitated the diversion of water, drainage, power supplies, and communication lines.
Karen James OBE, Chief Executive of Stockport NHS Foundation Trust, expressed her appreciation for the progress made: "It is very satisfying to see the construction of our new outpatients building fully underway, and I would like to thank our capital estates team and our contractor partners MTX for their hard work on this.
“The logistical difficulties in transporting the many large modules which make up this building are immense, and they have done an excellent job. We are very much looking forward to having our outpatients services provided from this new and greatly improved building."
The project represents a significant investment in the future of healthcare provision in Stockport, combining state-of-the-art design with sustainable construction practices to deliver a facility fit for 21st-century patient care.
Top image: CGI Stepping Hill
