A Community Diagnostic Centre at Cannock Chase Hospital

The first step was to understand both the clinical ambition and the reasons the previous design had become difficult to deliver. Health Spaces worked closely with the Trust, clinical teams and wider stakeholders to review the brief, interrogate the layout and identify where the scheme could be improved. The focus was not simply on reducing cost, but on creating a more efficient clinical environment that still protected quality, safety and functionality.

This early review helped bring clarity back to the project. By looking carefully at floor area, circulation, plant space, patient flow, staff movement and operational requirements, the team was able to identify opportunities to simplify the design while maintaining the performance of the diagnostic centre.

Staff input was central to this process. Clinical teams sketched initial ideas for how the space could work, which were then developed collaboratively by the design team through regular engagement and virtual walkthroughs. This allowed staff to test layouts, review patient and staff flows, and help shape a safe, high-performing environment around the realities of day-to-day diagnostic care.

With the brief and constraints clearly understood, the design team developed a revised layout that reduced gross internal floor area, circulation and plant space. This created a more efficient scheme and brought the project back within budget, delivering an approximate £3 million saving while maintaining the clinical quality of the environment.

The process required close coordination between architects, clinicians, project managers and stakeholders to ensure the revised scope was clearly understood, fully coordinated and aligned with the Trust’s requirements.

The final design created a clear and efficient arrangement for patients and staff. From the main corridor, patients have direct access to the MRI and CT suites, with trolley recovery bays and a post-procedure sub-wait area positioned to support safe and effective patient flow.

The centre includes two MRI rooms served by dedicated lobbies and a shared control room, alongside two CT rooms with a dedicated control room. The scanner rooms were designed as generous, flexible spaces to support staff movement, equipment use and future adaptability. Break-out panels were also incorporated into the MRI room external walls, allowing large scanners to be replaced in the future without major disruption to the building.

A clinical support zone, including clean and dirty utilities, cannulation and medical drinks preparation rooms, was located at the southern end of the main corridor. Staff facilities were also carefully considered, with a dedicated staff area including a lobby, pantry, seating and rest space, WCs and changing rooms.

Natural light was incorporated wherever possible, including large floor-to-ceiling windows in the staff rest area and a window in the MRI control room. The design also considered patient comfort, with MRI technology and ambient lighting helping to create a calmer experience for patients who may feel anxious during scans.

The CDC was delivered using modern methods of construction to reduce disruption to the live hospital site and support a faster programme.

Pre-constructed modular units were built off site while groundworks progressed at the hospital. The modules were then delivered by lorry over a short period and craned into position, before internal fit-out works began in preparation for the installation of the four scanners. This approach reduced the amount of construction activity taking place on site, limited vehicle movements around the hospital and helped maintain patient and staff flow during delivery. It also supported greater quality control, reduced material waste and improved efficiency through a controlled factory environment.

Health Spaces’ project management team led the scheme through to successful handover, maintaining programme clarity and coordinating key milestones throughout delivery. Particular focus was placed on the scanner installation, which was a critical programme milestone and required detailed coordination to ensure the project remained on track.

Before opening, Health Spaces also ran staff engagement sessions to familiarise more than 60 staff members with the new centre, its layout and the thinking behind the design.