Innovative Healthcare Construction: Trends Shaping the Future of the NHS
A combination of the COVID-19 pandemic, staff shortages and strikes have placed incredible pressure on the NHS, with patient backlogs reaching record highs up and down the country. As the medical industry looks to adapt, many Trusts are turning to innovative construction methods and sustainable design to meet patient and staff needs.
So, what are some of the trends that are shaping the future of healthcare construction?
The potential of modular construction
Modular construction offers hospitals increased flexibility and shorter construction times, and the resulting facilities can be quickly adapted to meet different healthcare needs.
As mentioned in our previous article on modular operating theatres, modular construction offers healthcare providers a fast solution to patient backlogs, allowing hospitals to expand and adapt rapidly while keeping disruption to a minimum.
With off-site manufacturing and rapid installation, modular construction can help NHS Trusts to manage the demand more effectively, while adapting to the needs of their patient cohort and improve staff efficiencies.
The importance of maximising efficiency
The pressure on NHS Trusts to find new ways to optimise their operations has never been higher.
The North Devon Jubilee Ward is a perfect example of the ways in which modular construction can provide fast and effective solutions when it comes to issues with efficiency.
Our team worked closely with medical staff and capital contracts manager to ascertain the challenges they faced in their existing facilities. They combined these insights with their own experience and provided essential technical advice and guidance to help the Trust throughout the project.
MIG was tasked with completing a full turnkey fit-out in just ten weeks. This project was completed on time, and hospital staff now have a fully operational ward, significantly improving their capabilities in less than a three month turnaround.
Taking a patient-centric approach to healthcare
Patient-centred design is becoming increasingly important in healthcare construction. As patients become more informed and healthcare costs rise, facilities must adapt to prioritise patients’ comfort, privacy, and wellbeing.
Hospitals and clinics that prioritise patient-centric design are better equipped to deliver high-quality care, as patient satisfaction is generally improved. Design features such as natural light, outdoor spaces, and access to greenery – known as biophilic design – have been shown to enhance patient wellbeing and promote faster recovery.
Our engineering team are well-versed when it comes to facilitating patient well-being through healthcare designs, and can consult with architects to better cater to the needs of patients.
The rise of sustainability
The NHS has committed to reaching net-zero status by 2050, with all new buildings required to be net-zero from October 2023. Achieving these ambitious targets will require significant investment in sustainable design and construction. Facilities will need to adopt a holistic approach, considering the entire lifecycle of their facilities, from construction to operation and decommissioning.
Architects have praised the decision to incorporate refurbishment into this strategy, alongside new builds, but this can present additional obstacles if the required infrastructure is not already present.
MIG Medical works with architects, estates managers, etc. to provide a turnkey, modular solution that drastically improves capacity, maximises efficiency, and delivers with minimal disruption to ongoing practices.
As the NHS continues to evolve, Trusts will need to embrace new approaches to construction and design to meet the challenges ahead.
If you’re involved in a healthcare project, or you’re part of a Trust and want to know more about what MIG can do, get in touch today.