A major healthcare infrastructure project at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford is moving closer to completion, marking a significant step forward in the expansion of surgical services across the region. The new 5 storey Surgical Elective Centre for Oxford University Hospitals (OUH) NHS Foundation Trust spans approximately 7,541 square metres and represents a major investment in Oxfordshire’s healthcare estate. Designed to increase surgical capacity and help reduce elective waiting lists, the facility will provide 7 new operating theatres, including 2 hybrid theatres equipped to support highly complex procedures through advanced imaging and surgical technologies. 

Specialist healthcare construction company MTX Contracts Ltd is delivering the development using modern methods of construction (MMC). Construction of the structure is scheduled for completion during the summer, with a phased opening of the operating theatres on Level 1 planned towards the end of the year. In addition to the theatres, the building will include preoperative assessment areas, recovery wards, staff facilities and supporting clinical spaces designed to improve operational efficiency and enhance the patient experience. 

The project forms part of OUH’s wider strategy to modernise healthcare delivery while responding to growing patient demand and the continued need to address surgical backlogs across NHS services. MTX Contracts has established a strong reputation for delivering complex healthcare facilities throughout the UK by combining offsite manufacturing and modular construction techniques with proven project management practices. These approaches are intended to reduce programme times, minimise disruption on live hospital sites and improve sustainability outcomes. At the John Radcliffe Hospital, the use of MMC has enabled rapid progress while maintaining operational continuity across 1 of the country’s busiest teaching hospital campuses. 

A significant milestone was reached with the arrival of 365 offsite manufactured steel structural modules between July and September 2025. Over an 8-week period, the construction site, located within the centre of the hospital complex, was transformed from a former car park into a 5-storey structure that was weatherproof and ready for internal fit out. The pace of delivery highlights the growing role of MMC in supporting major healthcare projects where speed, efficiency and reduced disruption are critical considerations. 

The John Radcliffe Hospital is home to a range of specialist services, including major trauma care, neuroscience, cardiac services and emergency medicine. Delivering a project of this scale within an active clinical environment requires close coordination between contractors, clinical teams and hospital management to ensure patient services remain uninterrupted throughout the construction process. The Surgical Elective Centre is 1 of several major developments currently taking place across the campus as OUH continues its long-term estate improvement programme. 

In May 2026, the Trust secured formal approval from the Building Safety Regulator to proceed with the next phase of refurbishment and reconfiguration works within the John Radcliffe Emergency Department and urgent care facilities. The approval represents an important milestone within the wider redevelopment programme and is expected to support improvements to patient flow, treatment capacity and clinical environments for both staff and patients. Together, these developments demonstrate the scale of investment currently being made in healthcare infrastructure across Oxford. 

The project also strengthens MTX Contracts’ extensive healthcare portfolio. The company has delivered numerous NHS schemes nationwide, including diagnostic centres, surgical hubs, ward expansions and specialist treatment facilities. Previous work undertaken by MTX at the John Radcliffe Hospital includes the award winning 48 bed Critical Care building, which was completed from initial design to handover in just 15 months using a hybrid construction approach. The facility incorporated 148 offsite manufactured steel structural units. 

MTX Managing Director David Hartley explained: “NHS Trusts are increasingly using modern methods of construction to provide new facilities in shorter time scales. Our expertise in more effectively applying MMC principles is proven to deliver compliant, high quality new hospital facilities through a greener, safer build process that is also more cost effective than conventional building methods. It ensures an earlier return on investment for the Trust, and improved outcomes for patients while maintaining the highest standards.” 

The increasing adoption of MMC continues to shape healthcare construction as NHS Trusts seek faster delivery times, reduced operational disruption and improved sustainability outcomes. Healthcare providers are also placing greater emphasis on flexible building design to ensure facilities can adapt to changing clinical requirements and future healthcare technologies. Once complete, the new Surgical Elective Centre is expected to improve access to planned procedures across the region, helping to reduce waiting times while supporting the long-term resilience of local healthcare services.