New NHS toolkit for MMC to drive cultural change across UK healthcare
A new NHS toolkit and accompanying user guide are intended to provide a framework and key themes to create a coherent Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) strategy.
In a recent publication by the Health Estate Journal, ISG’s Sector Director, Colin Hamilton, Healthcare Technical Advisory Lead at Mott MacDonald, Andrew Rolf and National Head and Procurement Framework and Construction Lead at ProCure23, Helen Sturdy, discussed the government’s growing preference for the use of MMC in both new build and ‘refurb’ healthcare projects. Against this backdrop, they’ve compiled a new NHS MMC toolkit, and accompanying user guide to provide a framework and key themes to create a coherent MMC strategy.
ISG is a contractor partner on the ProCure23 (P23) framework; delivered by the NHS, for the NHS, to meet improved patient outcomes and create impactful social value for local communities. P23 recognises that NHS Trusts need support to understand the opportunities that MMC can bring, how they have evolved, and how they can provide consistency of approach and the agility to innovate.
Why MMC?
The adoption of MMC is a key component of the UK Construction Playbook, which aims to deliver improved productivity, efficiency, and quality in the construction sector. Although MMC has been around for many years, several industry-wide challenges and opportunities have seen an acceleration of key MMC approaches.
Within the NHS, MMC is now a core focus. This promotion of MMC to assist in the delivery of healthcare infrastructure results in the need to set targets. An aspirational national NHS target has been set for any scheme to strive for 70% MMC for new-builds, and 50% for refurbishments. Historically, these targets vary as much as the interpretation of MMC, with statements such as ‘ranging from 50-70%’ being quoted, but without an established method of measurement. Even existing MMC metrics, such as pre-manufactured value (PMV), have multiple interpretations and calculation methodologies, resulting in a lack of consistency of calculation and reporting.
To ensure a consistent approach across the P23 framework, the team has developed and piloted its MMC toolkit over a number of projects. It can be employed by NHS Trusts, consultant teams, and contractors, at any stage of a project, although it is proven to be most effective with early contractor and supply chain engagement.
What is included in the toolkit?
The new toolkit contains several elements to help collate non-commercial data for healthcare projects. It enables teams to confirm the project typology, the extent of new or refurbishment areas, and the stage of development. The toolkit also includes the following key elements:
- Benefits assessment
- Constraints assessment
- Category assessments 0-7
- Pre-manufactured value
- The executive summary
- Further ‘capture’ of innovations
- When can this be adopted?
- Trialling and feedback
The MMC toolkit is currently being trialled on a number of projects, and initial feedback is being collated. It will be published on the NHS England website, to share best practice across the NHS and to also support wider adoption across government departments. The toolkit provides a consistent and well-supported approach for the greater good of the industry, driving cultural change and understanding of the opportunities.
Read about the toolkit in full, at the link here
This was original published on the Health Estate Journal
