Morgan Sindall Construction's Northern Home Counties team has formally handed over the £18.5 million Imaging Centre to Milton Keynes University Hospital (MKUH) NHS Foundation Trust.

To mark the milestone, representatives from Morgan Sindall and MKUH visited the facility for a short address by Malcolm Ormond, Programme Manager for Strategic Estates at MKUH, followed by a tour with end users. The centre brings a broad range of imaging services together on the hospital campus.

Procured through the Pagabo framework and funded via the government's New Hospital Programme, the purpose-built, two-storey development replaces the hospital's previous small MRI unit and has now opened to patients.

The new centre houses two MRI rooms, two CT scanners and six ultrasound machines, alongside dedicated bed spaces, changing areas, a reception, and a waiting area that includes a play zone for young children. A new mechanical and electrical (M&E) plant room has also been installed at roof level.

Designed to improve efficiency and patient experience, the facility supports faster diagnostics and provides a calmer, more comfortable environment for patients and staff alike.

Sustainability features include air source heat pumps, with a green roof and sedum planting to enhance biodiversity and reduce rainwater run-off.

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The project team participated in Morgan Sindall's 10 Tonne Carbon Challenge and outperformed its target, saving 26 tonnes of CO2e — the equivalent of heating 13 UK homes for a year.

Delivered within a live hospital environment, the scheme required meticulous planning to minimise disruption. Measures included strict delivery management, dust and noise monitoring, and the use of digital tools such as BIM and Oculo to track progress and uphold design and safety compliance. A tower crane was deployed within the tight site footprint to safely install 15m-long large façade panels adjacent to strategic public roads and walkways.

Social value outcomes included 25 hours of engagement with schools and colleges, support for 12 apprentices, seven weeks of work placements, and 64 hours of volunteering for local initiatives. The team also prioritised local procurement, appointing suppliers and contractors largely within a 20-mile radius.

In recognition of its achievements, the Imaging Centre has been shortlisted for a Considerate Constructors National Site Award.

Emma Curtis, Area Director for Morgan Sindall Construction in the Northern Home Counties, said: "Projects like this really show what can be achieved when you're working closely with the Trust and the wider team from day one. We know how important these facilities are, not just for staff, but for every patient who comes through the doors, so there's a real sense of pride in handing over a space that will make a genuine difference day to day."

"It's been a complex job in a live hospital, and the team have handled that brilliantly. We're beyond delighted to see the centre fully up and running and supporting the community."

Rebecca Grindley, Programme Director at Milton Keynes University Hospital, said: "The completion of our new Imaging Centre represents a significant step forward in the development of our hospital infrastructure. This purpose-built facility has been carefully designed to support modern diagnostic technology, improve patient flow, and create a more comfortable and accessible environment for both patients and staff."

"Delivered as part of our New Hospital Programme enabling works, we are delighted to see the tangible progress being made on the ground as we prepare for the delivery of the new MKUH hospital building in the near future"