WALTON HOSPITAL

Novo has supported Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Foundation Trust, Chesterfield Royal NHS Foundation Trust and Actiform in delivering a new Community Diagnostic Centre at Walton Hospital, a purpose-built facility designed to transform access to essential tests and scans across North Derbyshire.

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Opened on 1 September, the centre is conceived as a modern, accessible “one-stop shop,” enabling patients to complete multiple diagnostics in a single visit. Services include phlebotomy, ultrasound, X-ray and DEXA imaging, audiology, cardio-respiratory testing and Point of Care Testing, with extended evening and weekend appointments providing greater flexibility. Within the first month alone, more than 4,000 tests and scans are expected, accelerating diagnosis and treatment pathways while easing pressure on acute hospital sites. The building is easily reached by public transport or bike and benefits from free on-site parking, ensuring the experience is as convenient as it is efficient.

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Working with Actiform, the bespoke modular building specialist, Novo delivered the detailed design of all mechanical and electrical systems for Phase 1, coordinating closely with the offsite construction methodology to meet clinical, acoustic and infection-control standards. Our engineered solutions support imaging-ready suites for X-ray, DEXA and ultrasound alongside treatment rooms and audiology, with intelligent controls configured for extended operating hours and resilient clinical performance.

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Sustainability is integral to the scheme. The design incorporates low-carbon heating via air source heat pumps and a large photovoltaic array to reduce grid demand and operational carbon, complemented by high-efficiency ventilation tailored to the needs of diagnostic environments.

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The result is a calm, contemporary clinical setting that delivers faster access, shorter waiting times and a better patient experience for the Chesterfield community. Building on the success of Phase 1, the programme has secured additional funding to enhance imaging capacity, bringing new MRI and CT facilities into an extension of the main building. Novo is continuing its role into Phase 2, extending our M&E design to support these higher-acuity modalities and future-proof the diagnostic hub for years to come.