Clatterbridge Cancer Centre: Enabling Works for a State-of-the-Art PET-CT Scanner
After a strong presentation on a separate Solar PV contract, Property Services were directly awarded the enabling works for a new £12m Siemens Healthineers Trinion PET-CT scanner at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre’s Wirral site. The scanner is the first of its kind in the UK and cuts patient scan times from 40 minutes to 8.
The works
The project delivered a compliant imaging suite that met the manufacturer’s technical requirements and radiation safety standards. The main element was a ventilation upgrade, which involved drilling through a ceiling roughly 300mm thick in six locations. The ceiling-mounted support structure was installed precisely so Siemens could fit the scanner without any further work. Seddon also refurbished the radiotherapy patient waiting area. This included medical-grade fittings, anti-static vinyl flooring and maintaining the lead-lined walls and doors. All works were carried out in-house apart from specialist air conditioning, which Seddon Mechanical sourced from trusted subcontractors.
Working in a live hospital
Patients were being treated next door throughout the project, and one scanner stayed in use the whole time. To keep disruption low:
- Noisy work such as drilling was scheduled for weekends.
- The team worked with hospital cleaning staff to keep areas hygienic.
- Daily informal meetings kept staff informed and in the loop.
Overcoming challenges
The architect’s drawings turned out to be inaccurate. This meant unplanned removal of wall sections for the bulkhead and ventilation. The team adapted quickly and kept the Project Manager updated at each step.
Handover and social value
The project was handed over on schedule on 13 February 2026, ready for the scanner’s arrival. As a goodwill gesture, Seddon is donating a 50-inch TV to the patient waiting room. This will make long waits more comfortable for patients.