InHealth South Birmingham CDC, Maypole

This case study explores the delivery of a fully shielded X-ray and CT imaging facility for InHealth’s Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) in South Birmingham, a project executed with innovation and technical precision to meet NHS England’s high standards for diagnostic capacity, safety, and patient experience in a modern healthcare environment - also featuring the first-of-its-kind Raybloc® Flush LED Warning Strip Doorset.

The Challenge

InHealth approached this project with a clear mission: to deliver a cutting-edge Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) in South Birmingham as part of the NHS England initiative to expand diagnostic imaging capacity across the UK. With high expectations from both clinical teams and commissioning stakeholders, the new facility needed to balance state-of-the-art imaging performance with rigorous compliance standards.

The CDC was set to house a Siemens Healthineers SOMATOM go.Top CT scanner and a Multix Impact C X-ray machine. While these systems offered advanced imaging capability, they required a radiation shielding infrastructure that could support safe use, efficient operation, and long-term durability. Beyond that, InHealth wanted the space to reflect a sense of care and quality, something that went beyond a box-ticking exercise. That’s where Raybloc was brought in, not just to supply shielding, but to help design a complete and compliant radiation-controlled environment tailored to the client’s goals.

Installation of Customised Radiation Protection Solutions

Raybloc worked closely with InHealth’s project and technical teams to provide a shielding solution that was as functional as it was forward-thinking. This included the manufacture and delivery of lead-lined wall panels, ceilings, internal doorsets, a switchable-glass viewing window, and an operator screen. Every element was manufactured in-house and tailored to the structural and equipment needs of the facility.

One of the key priorities was maintaining shielding continuity throughout both imaging rooms. To support this, all wall and ceiling panels were supplied with matching lead strips and battens. These details ensured that there were no shielding gaps between panels or at junctions with ceilings and structural features, a common area of concern for RPAs.

The project also involved lead penetrations around HVAC and service routes. Raybloc assisted with specifying shielding continuity around these penetrations to remove any compliance risks. Deliveries were split strategically to align with on-site readiness and prevent delays in other areas of the fit-out. Raybloc’s technical support and manufacturing flexibility allowed the client to maintain control while ensuring no compromise on quality.

The Solution

Raybloc supplied and supported the delivery of a comprehensive shielding package that addressed both the technical demands of the imaging rooms and the user experience for staff and patients.

Doorsets were a major focus for the client. After seeing Raybloc’s Flush LED Warning Strip Doorset at the Healthcare Estates event, the InHealth team immediately recognised its value. These doors integrate a flush mounted warning light with a full-height illuminated strip down the door’s edge, making it visibly clear when radiation is active. This innovative design provided enhanced safety in a way that was simple, intuitive, and exclusive to Raybloc.

To complement the first of it’s kind doorset, Raybloc also installed a Sense-X® Fixed Operator Screen in the X-ray room. This screen combines radiation shielding with an integrated LED lighting feature that enhances the feel of the room. Softer lighting and less clinical visuals help reduce anxiety in patients, especially in high-throughput NHS settings. It also improves the working environment for radiographers who spend extended time in these spaces.

In the CT room, a Raybloc Internal Window with switchable privacy glass was included in the design. This gave clinicians the ability to control visibility into the scanning area without compromising shielding. With one click, the glass can switch from transparent to opaque, a feature increasingly specified in healthcare environments for privacy, workflow control, and patient dignity.

Throughout the entire installation, Raybloc ensured that all shielding components, including 12mm and 12.5mm lead-lined panels for walls and ceilings, were provided with the correct thicknesses and finishes, ensuring easy installability and full compliance. The lead codes, dimensions, and supporting materials were all confirmed ahead of time to avoid delays or onsite clashes.

Raybloc Products Supplied

Wall Panels

– X-ray Room: Code 3 (1.32mm Pb), 12.5mm plasterboard panels

– CT Room: Code 6 (2.65mm Pb), 12mm plywood panels

– All panels supplied with lead strips for vertical joins

Ceiling Panels

– X-ray Room: Code 3 (1.32mm Pb), 12mm plywood

– CT Room: Code 6 (2.65mm Pb), 12mm plywood

– All ceilings supported with lead-lined plywood battens

Doorsets

– X-ray Room: Code 3 (1.32mm Pb), laminated finish

– CT Room: Code 5 (2.24mm Pb), laminated finish

– Both doorsets featured flush-mounted two-stage LED warning lights and full-edge illuminated warning strips

X-ray Control Screen

– Raybloc Sense-X® Winged Fixed Screen

– Code 5 (2.24mm Pb), white post-formed laminate finish

Internal Window

– CT Room: Standard design, switchable privacy glass

– Code 6 (2.65mm Pb), hardwood frame

Accessories and Support Items

– Lead rolls, lead battens, and custom shielding components for penetrations

– Phased deliveries to support site programme

The Benefits of Installing Control Booths, Windows and Doorsets from Raybloc

Raybloc’s involvement in the InHealth South Birmingham CDC project extended far beyond supply. We worked as a shielding partner, helping InHealth balance innovation, safety, and usability within a pressured programme. Our technical support began before manufacture and continued through delivery and installation. The Sense-X® screen helped create a less intimidating environment for patients while maintaining all shielding standards. The flush warning strip doors provided an enhanced layer of visibility and control for radiographers and visitors to the imaging suite. Switchable-glass windows supported clinical flexibility and offered a refined aesthetic without compromising function.

Most critically, all wall and ceiling panels, a total of over 160 square metres, were delivered with full shielding continuity built in. Our use of lead strips and battens made sure every panel connected seamlessly with the next, which is vital to preventing compliance risks during RPA inspection. Each product was delivered with durability and compliance built in, backed by our 10-year material and workmanship guarantee.