What services do M&E consultants provide for healthcare projects?
Planning and executing a healthcare construction project requires the coordination of an enormous number of mechanical and electrical systems and technologies. M&E consultants work alongside the client and architect as expert advisors to ensure each system is properly designed, procured and installed.
They consult on anything from M&E engineering design to building simulation modelling, sustainability, energy, infrastructure and building control compliance.
But for healthcare projects, there are additional regulations and guidance stipulated by organisations such as NHS England. This requires a particular level of M&E expertise.
Like any large building project, healthcare facilities require complex and interconnected systems such as:
- Fire suppression and control
- Heating
- Ventilation
- Air conditioning
- Data cabling
- Water and drainage
- Power distribution
- Lighting and controls
- AV installation
- Lift design
- Video surveillance
But to help deliver the right services to patients, many healthcare projects also require specialist mechanical electrical and plumbing (MEP) systems such as:
- Medical gas pipeline systems
- Operating theatre ventilation systems
- Medical vacuum points
- PAS record systems
For these facilities, an M&E consultant will advise on the specification of each system to ensure it meets the clients’ needs. They will design an overview on how the different systems will work together. And they will advise on the procurement of specialist subcontractors, as well as helping to coordinate the execution once works have begun.
Let’s take a look at what that means at each stage of your healthcare construction project.
Supporting the RIBA Stages of Work
In 1963, The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) created a framework to help architects and their clients work more effectively together. The RIBA Plan of Work was updated in 2013 and again in 2020, matching the rapid progression of digital innovation in construction.
Now split into eight stages, the RIBA Plan of Work offers a clear plan for the process of briefing, designing and delivering a building.
And depending on your level of comfort and expertise, an M&E consultant can offer support at each one of the stages. The only exception is Stage 7, which covers the use of the building for its entire lifecycle.
Stages 0-1: Strategic definition, preparation and design brief
At the initial stages, your M&E consultants provide strategic advice to help identify your needs and objectives (known as the Client Requirements).
They can advise on the development of the project brief, including your stated outcomes, sustainability and energy objectives, quality aspirations and spatial requirements.
They will help you to develop a business case for feasible options. Then, they’ll help ratify the option that best meets the Client Requirements (e.g. through SWOT analysis).
They will also review project risks and develop a risk management register. In addition, they can assist with the preparation of the project programme, execution plan and an outline of indicative costs.
Stage 2: Concept design
At this stage, your M&E consultants will play a key role in outlining the strategic engineering requirements for the architectural concept. They will also help ensure the final architectural concept is properly aligned with your cost plan, project strategies and outline specification.
Your consultants can identify major items of plant and equipment required, assess their technical suitability and potentially invite pre-tender quotations.
They can also advise on the need to appoint specialist healthcare designers, manufacturers or medical equipment suppliers. And, with your approval, begin the process of engaging their services.
If the project brief needs to be adjusted at this point, your M&E consultants will outline the cost and programme implications.
Stages 3 and 4: Spatial Coordination and Technical Design
Through design studies and engineering analysis, your consultants will help you test and validate the architectural concept developed at Stage 2.
This enables them to determine and fix your spatial requirements and the spaces required for structural and building services engineering. This could include aspects such as grids, risers and plant rooms.
Once this has been completed, your M&E consultants will prepare the building systems information for your design team and specialist subcontractors. They will also help conduct the tendering process before appointing the contractor.
So, once the design information has been completed, the manufacturing and construction can begin.
Stage 5: Manufacturing and Construction
Here, your M&E consultant can help you keep costs down through value management exercises.
They will conduct site inspections and ensure that all contractors have the relevant drawings, specifications and any other documents they require to begin works.
They will also monitor the progress of construction, answer site queries, conduct quality inspections and arrange for commissioning of the building.
And they will then assess the results to ensure they satisfactorily meet the performance targets previously outlined. If anything falls short, the consultant ensures your contractor meets their contractual obligation to rectify any issues.
Stage 6: Handover and Close-out
At this stage, you will receive a set of record drawings, maintenance manuals and detailed instructions for building services. They will help ensure any defects are properly rectified, and make recommendations on the resources and skills needed to operate and maintain the building.
Find out more about our M&E Consultancy Service
Speak to us about your healthcare construction project and let us help you achieve better outcomes at every stage.