Description

Turning Vision into Reality

The MRI Facility at Lincoln County Hospital was driven by a clear clinical need: to deliver a modern, compliant imaging environment that enhances diagnostic capability and supports improved patient outcomes.

Appointed by ULHT, Gelder Group transformed a redundant CT department into a state-of-the-art MRI suite, incorporating two new MRI scanners, patient preparation and recovery areas, staff facilities, and dedicated equipment rooms. Externally, a new plant area was constructed to accommodate specialist air handling and chiller equipment for the MRI units.

This project required not only technical expertise but also a collaborative approach, working closely with ULHT, Selmec, Pulse Consult, and Siemens Healthineers to deliver the facility on time and on budget.

Points to Consider

Delivering a complex healthcare project within a live hospital environment presented several key challenges:

Live Hospital Environment:

The department was located near the main entrance and adjacent to busy clinical areas. Safe access for patients, staff, and visitors had to be maintained throughout, while managing deliveries, waste, and logistical constraints.

Structural Constraints:

Connecting two separate buildings required careful structural alterations. Works were phased to maintain integrity and minimise disruption to hospital operations.

Equipment Installation:

Restricted internal corridors meant the MRI scanners could not be moved through the hospital. A temporary external loading platform and craning operation were devised to position the units safely and efficiently.

All works were carried out in strict compliance with NHS technical standards, infection control protocols, and specialist shielding requirements.

Solutions & Technical Specifications

Gelder delivered a highly technical healthcare development, tailored to the complex requirements of MRI installation:

Advanced Technology:

Two MRI scanners installed with integrated Faraday cages, specialist cooling, and ventilation systems to meet exacting technical standards.

Patient-Focused Design:

The facility includes preparation and recovery areas, patient changing rooms, and staff facilities designed for comfort, privacy, and efficiency.

Specialist Infrastructure:

A dedicated external plant area houses air handling and chiller systems, ensuring optimal performance and resilience of the MRI units.

Collaboration & Compliance:

Close coordination with ULHT, Selmec, Pulse Consult, and Siemens Healthineers ensured full compliance with healthcare and MRI-specific technical requirements, including shielding, ventilation, and infection control.

Programme Management:

Detailed sequencing, risk management, and lift planning allowed the project to be delivered safely within the constrained site and live hospital environment.

The People Behind the Project

The Gelder Group consists of a dedicated team of specialists renowned for delivering complex healthcare projects. Their collaborative approach, technical precision, and proactive problem-solving were essential in overcoming site challenges and ensuring the MRI facility was delivered on time and on budget.

The success of this project reflects our team’s commitment to excellence in healthcare construction and our ability to work effectively with clients and partners in live operational environments.

Community Impact

The new MRI facility is more than just a technical upgrade; it directly improves patient care and diagnostic capability at Lincoln County Hospital. By providing a modern, compliant, and resilient imaging environment, the facility enhances clinical pathways, increases imaging capacity, and supports long-term service delivery across the Trust.

ULHT Statement

“We’re proud to provide our patients with a modern MRI service that supports accurate diagnostics and improves outcomes. Gelder Group’s expertise and collaborative approach were key to making this vision a reality.”

Gelder Group Statement

This project further demonstrates Gelder Group’s expertise in delivering complex healthcare environments within live hospital settings. Through collaborative working, technical precision, and careful programme management, we successfully provided ULHT with a high-quality MRI facility that enhances diagnostic services and supports improved patient outcomes across the Trust.