Somerset NHS Foundation Trust is continuing its partnership with ModuleCo with the development of a new modular ophthalmology centre at Musgrove Park Hospital. 

The offsite construction specialist is just weeks away from installing the facility, which will be the centrepiece of a standalone new eyecare theatre suite linking to the rear of the existing day surgery unit. 

The eye unit is the hospital’s busiest department, carrying out over 2,000 operations every year and providing nearly 50,000 outpatient appointments.

And this development provides the trust with additional operating space, recovery space, and dedicated patient areas. 

Patients will also be able to access the centre directly from the car park, without the need to pass through the main hospital. 

It is hoped the move will increase capacity and reduce waiting times for routine treatment. 

Pradeep Madhavan, orthopaedic consultant at Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, said: “This new unit will be a modern facility that will allow ophthalmic patients to continue with their surgical

treatment safely and in time without being unduly affected by conditions in the rest of the hospital and community.

“The project is moving at pace and is a tribute to the team spirit within the department of ophthalmology and expertise and leadership in various parts of our NHS trust.”

A bespoke design has been developed, consisting of multiple modules of varying sizes to maximise the available site space, making up a 484sq m footprint. 

The facility will be the first part of a specialist ophthalmic theatre with ceiling-mounted microscope and laser equipment. 

This is supported by an integral scrub, lay-up prep, anaesthetic room, dirty utility, 15-patient day ward, consultation rooms, and various ancillary and staff areas.

ModuleCo’s team is  in the midst of the factory assembly phase, and by completing 80% of the construction and fit out in the factory this minimises the disruption to the hospital estate.