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Midland Metropolitan University Hospital (MMUH)

Transforming healthcare: Delivering the state-of-the-art Midland Metropolitan University Hospital

Healthcare​
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The Midland Metropolitan University Hospital (MMUH) is a landmark healthcare facility set to revolutionise hospital services in the West Midlands. Located in Smethwick, this state-of-the-art acute care hospital spans approximately 85,924m² and features ten storeys, a two-level multi-storey car park and cutting-edge medical facilities.

The project addresses the need for a modern healthcare environment, consolidating services from two outdated hospitals to provide improved patient care and operational efficiency for the Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospital Trust.

Supporting this project, Gleeds provided expert consultancy services to ensure successful delivery. Overcoming significant challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and technical complexities, MMUH’s completion will provide the local community with enhanced healthcare services, incorporating sustainable building solutions and innovative digital systems.

Gleeds played a pivotal role throughout the project, offering a suite of services, including:

  • NEC project management: Ensuring strict adherence to contractual obligations and seamless communication between stakeholders
  • Programme reviews: Regular assessments to maintain progress, identify potential delays and implement corrective actions
  • Risk management: Proactive identification and mitigation of risks, including pandemic-related challenges
  • Quality audits: Ensuring all work met the highest industry standards and regulations
  • Health and safety reporting: Developing rigorous protocols to safeguard workers and stakeholders, particularly during COVID-19
  • Additionally, Gleeds deployed a digital PMO to enhance programme oversight and produced Power BI dashboards to provide real-time project insights. By maintaining flexibility and focus, Gleeds navigated unexpected challenges to ensure project continuity and success.

Project Statistics

85,924

m2

Gross internal area

2

level multi-storey car park

30

sockets EV charging points

Key challenges and solutions

  1. Challenge: The global pandemic posed significant disruptions to the construction timeline, workforce availability and health protocols.

    Solution: Gleeds facilitated workshops to maintain progress while implementing social distancing measures and other safety protocols. We ensured seamless communication between subcontractors and stakeholders to minimise delays.

  2. Challenge: A protected falcon species nested at the site during key programme works.

    Solution: Gleeds coordinated with environmental consultants to develop a mitigation plan, enabling work to continue in unaffected areas while protecting wildlife.

  3. Challenge: Overlapping building works and commissioning activities created logistical and technical hurdles.

    Solution: Gleeds chaired technical meetings to identify and resolve issues, ensuring efficient commissioning of systems.

  4. Challenge: The NEC form of contract requires detailed administration and compliance with strict timescales.

    Solution: Gleeds ensured adherence to governance processes and timely approvals, maintaining contractual compliance and efficient stakeholder communication.

  5. Challenge: Delays during the standstill period and resource shortages during key phases.

    Solution: Gleeds provided additional on-site support, assisting with moves, cylinder changes and key handovers to keep the project on track.

Sustainability initiatives

MMUH incorporates several sustainable features to reduce environmental impact and promote energy efficiency:

  • Intelligent LED lighting to minimise energy consumption
  • Solar PV panels for renewable energy generation
  • Combined heat and power systems to reduce carbon emissions
  • Energy-efficient double-glazed windows for better insulation
  • EV charging stations (30 sockets) to encourage sustainable transportation
  • Optimised building management system (BMS) to enhance operational efficiency
  • The project also worked with local transport providers to improve bus access, encouraging public transport use by staff and patients.

Social value contributions

Gleeds made significant contributions to the community by organising site tours for university students to inspire careers in construction, volunteering to assist the Trust post-completion by guiding patients and visitors. We also supported Trust charities through fundraising initiatives, including sponsorship of charity events.

Results and future impact

MMUH has already been recognised as Digital Construction Awards’ Digital Construction Project of the Year, highlighting its innovative design and execution. Upon completion, the hospital will also deliver superior healthcare services to the local community, set a benchmark for future healthcare facilities by integrating digital advancements and sustainability and facilitate the redevelopment of existing sites into valuable assets (such as an urgent treatment centre, a learning campus, and other community-focused developments).

Gleeds were a significant asset to the progress and completion of this complex project. We were hugely impressed by the co-ordination and impact they made in drawing all programme partners together, and they contributed to the fantastic facility we now have at MMUH

Client representative
Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospital Trust

The Midland Metropolitan University Hospital represents the future of healthcare delivery. Overcoming unprecedented challenges, our team demonstrated resilience and innovation, ensuring the project remained on track and delivered exceptional value to the client and the community.

Tom O’Callahan
Gleeds Project Manager
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