Rapid Response Healthcare: Fast-Track Solutions for Portsmouth NHS Trust

When winter bed pressures threatened hospital capacity, Portsmouth NHS Trust turned to Cliftons Projects for a rapid, effective solution. The challenge? Deliver a 12-bed modular ward and relocate the outpatient discharge lounge—all within just eight weeks.

A High-Stakes, High-Speed Project - Hospitals don’t have the luxury of pausing operations. Our team worked within a live hospital environment, carefully coordinating every phase to avoid disruption. The result?

A fully operational 12-bed ward, seamlessly integrated between two 24/7 medical units. A purpose-built outpatient discharge lounge, relocated to a modular facility without impacting patient care. Zero downtime, with every step, designed to ensure continuity for both staff and patients.

Precision in Project Delivery

Speed was critical, but so was quality. Every aspect of the project was meticulously planned and executed to meet NHS standards while accelerating delivery. We adopted a pre-fabrication approach, enabling modular construction off-site while groundwork, service connections, and enabling works progressed in parallel. Once on-site, the units were rapidly assembled, fitted out, and seamlessly connected to existing hospital infrastructure.

Ensuring compliance with infection control, mechanical & electrical (M&E) integration, and clinical safety regulations was paramount. Our expertise in healthcare fit-outs meant we could deliver a fully functional ward without compromising on quality, efficiency, or patient comfort—all while operating in a busy hospital setting.

Meanwhile, the outpatient discharge lounge relocation was far more than just moving facilities. The new modular space had to be fully operational from day one, with a high-specification fit-out tailored to patient needs. From power, data, and climate control systems to comfortable interiors for patient recovery, every detail was designed to maintain the same level of service while freeing up valuable space inside the hospital.

Proactive, Agile, and Always One Step Ahead

This project wasn’t just about meeting a deadline—it was about delivering an urgent healthcare solution with precision and care. Working within a live hospital environment comes with challenges, but our team’s proactive problem-solving and agile approach ensured everything stayed on track.

Early engagement with hospital staff, contractors, and clinical teams allowed us to anticipate potential challenges before they arose. Strict site logistics, phased deliveries, and night-time working minimised disruption, while our flexible approach meant we could adapt quickly to unforeseen obstacles without impacting the schedule.

By maintaining clear communication, real-time coordination, and an unwavering focus on efficiency, we successfully delivered a project that not only met but exceeded expectations.

At Cliftons Projects, we thrive on challenges like this—where efficiency, expertise, and execution come together to make a real difference.

Project Manager:
Cliftons Projects Ltd
Contracts Administration:
Cliftons Projects Ltd
Quantity Surveyor:
McPhersons
Architect:
Studio 4
Service Engineer:
TNG