The Challenge

The Tees Valley Community Diagnostic Centre in Stockton serves as a vital NHS facility providing rapid diagnostic services, including MRI, CT, ultrasounds, X-rays, blood tests, and respiratory checks, to around 400,000 people in the region. Converted from a former M&S unit in the Castlegate Shopping Centre, it needed a state-of-the-art infrastructure to deliver hospital-grade diagnostics in a community setting.

To meet NHS standards, the project demanded high-spec mechanical plumbing, sanitation, and energy-efficient heating/cooling systems, all while adhering to strict hygiene and safety requirements.

The Solution

Working alongside NG Bailey and Kier Group, Quora Group was appointed to deliver a comprehensive mechanical and sanitary package, including:

• Installation of reverse-cycle heat pumps on the rooftop plant deck to supply heating, cooling, and hot water efficiently;
• Distribution of domestic, heating, and chilled water services to support patient comfort and facility operations;
• Implementation of above-ground drainage systems to ensure effective waste and sanitation handling;
• Installation of clinical-grade sanitary ware across patient and clinical areas to maintain high hygiene standards;
• Use of off-site manufacturing in Quora’s North Shields fabrication facility, allowing modular delivery and accelerated on-site installation.

This approach minimised disruption, improved installation speed, and ensured consistent quality throughout the project.

Outcomes & Benefits

Quora Group’s contributions ensured the Centre was operational, efficient, and built for long-term resilience:

• The energy-efficient HVAC system, powered by rooftop heat pumps, delivers precise environmental control for diagnostic suites;
• Off-site construction enabled faster build times and reduced on-site risk, accelerating the Centre’s delivery;
• With clinical-grade sanitation systems, Quora helped meet NHS infection control protocols and enhance patient safety;
• The system architecture supports hospital-standard diagnostics, enabling patients to access vital services without attending a hospital .

These outcomes enhanced operational performance and enabled secure, accessible healthcare close to home.

Results

• The Centre is fully operational, offering a full diagnostic suite: MRI, CT, ultrasound, X-ray, blood testing, and respiratory services in downtown Stockton.
  
  
• Rooftop heat pump and plant room installations are successfully commissioned, ensuring consistent temperature control and water supply.
  
  
• Off-site fabrication cut total installation time and risk exposure, helping the Centre meet tight project timelines.
  
  
• The installation of clinical-grade sanitary ware elevated patient and staff hygiene standards, in line with NHS best practices.
  
  
• Quora Group’s workmanship supports programmed partnership goals, delivering improved access to diagnostics without hospital attendance and aligning with Tees Valley’s healthcare transformation

Looking Ahead

Quora Group is proud to have helped deliver the Stockton Diagnostic Centre, as it’s a community hub engineered to enhance healthcare access and resilience for the Tees Valley population. Our dedication to innovation, efficiency, and clinical standards demonstrates why we continue to be trusted by NHS authorities, principal contractors, and engineering partners.