Royal Victoria Infirmary Northwich, UK
The Victoria Infirmary Day Surgery Unit (DSU) is a major redevelopment delivered to significantly expand the surgical capacity of Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
The project involved replacing outdated and underutilised accommodation with a new 1,100m² extension housing two operating theatres (including a dedicated ophthalmic theatre), a procedure room, recovery suites, and all associated clinical, support and utility spaces.
The project also included the sensitive refurbishment and adaptive reuse of an adjacent Grade II listed building for non-clinical functions.
Scope & Mechanical / Electrical Focus
Corstorphine & Wright were Lead Designers of this project, delivering full multidisciplinary design services.
These services were delivered within an accelerated programme, running RIBA Stages 3 and 4 concurrently to meet NHS capital funding deadlines.
The MEP strategy applied low-carbon technologies aligned to NHS Net Zero objectives and included major upgrades to the thermal performance of the retained listed asset.Â
Project Delivery & Collaboration
Working closely with clinical, estates and operational teams, we undertook detailed stakeholder engagement from concept development through to technical design.
Early clinical workshops established the need for a dedicated ophthalmology suite, improving regional patient throughput and reducing waiting lists.
Regular user groups supported by coordinated architectural, structural and MEP inputs ensured all technical systems were aligned with clinical workflows, infection control protocols and estates maintenance requirements.
Given the Trust’s requirement to commit to a significant proportion of capital within 12 months, programme certainty was essential. Our integrated multidisciplinary approach enabled rapid decision-making, high-quality coordinated information, and a robust package suitable for FBC approval.
Complexity & Challenges
The project demanded careful planning due to the tight site, stepped levels, heritage constraints and proximity to an active hospital campus.
Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) were evaluated, but site access and geometry limited large-volume modular options. Instead, a Metsec lightweight steel framing solution with standardised cladding (Equitone) delivered programme efficiency, repeatability and reduced waste.
The refurbishment of the listed building introduced significant technical challenges, including decayed structures, poor thermal performance and unforeseen defects. Close collaboration with heritage, MEP and structural specialists ensured compliant, cost-effective solutions that respected the building’s character.Â
Delivered within a condensed programme and with a strong mechanical, electrical and public health focus, the Victoria Infirmary Day Surgery Unit is a clear demonstration of our capability to deliver complex healthcare refurbishments to exacting technical, clinical and programme requirements.
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