Key factors to consider when building a modular operating theatre space.
As the world adapts to new challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, it has become increasingly clear that, while traditional construction methods are still popular, they are not always sufficient to cater to the adaptability demanded by modern healthcare.
This became very clear during the pandemic, where most NHS Trusts had to adapt their existing facilities to implement COVID relief efforts.
Notable projects include our team converting a university sports centre in Wales into a 223-bed field hospital in just 14 days, a collaboration with Portakabin to build a stand-alone 30-bed COVID ward in Cheshire, and a state-of-the-art 400-bed COVID facility in Cardiff.
In all of these instances, a rapid turnaround was needed as healthcare professionals dealt with an ever-increasing number of COVID cases.
We needed to build high quality medical environments in incredibly short timeframes. Our 30-bed COVID ward was delivered via modular construction methods, and the other aforementioned facilities were Nightingale wards retrofitted from existing large spaces. For all three projects, a rapid turnaround was necessary.
As hospitals continue to deal with the aftermath of the pandemic, more and more are looking at taking the same approach when designing their operating theatres.
The reasons are self-evident: They don’t just offer excellent flexibility, high efficiency, and optimum safety; they are constructed off-site and transported rapidly to site.
What is a modular operating theatre?
Modular operating theatres are standalone units that are made off-site. A modular theatre has all of the components of a standard fully functional operating theatre, and is fitted out with all the required equipment and services. However, where it differs from traditional operating theatre construction is in the installation.
The process is straightforward, as the prefabricated theatre is simply installed on-site with minimal disruption. This means that hospitals can benefit from a fast turnaround and reduced construction times, and more units can quickly and easily be added to existing structures if demand increases.
Supporting staff and prioritising wellbeing
When it comes to designing a modular operating theatre, it is essential to consider the needs of staff, surgeon teams, and clinical consultants.
This means that healthcare architects need to consult the right people at the very start of the design stage, in order to fully understand their requirements and build a solution that both suits their needs and maintains best practice. This is especially important for medical environments, as the latter can vary depending on the type of operating theatre required.
The layout of an operating theatre should be optimised to provide efficient patient flow, from pre-op, to the operating theatre, and through to recovery. Staff should be able to move around the space with ease, without getting in each other’s way, and the patient’s journey from one space to the next should have minimal risk of cross-infection and obstruction.
Our work at the George Eliot Hospital reveals the importance of efficient layouts. It also highlights the value of collaboration, as our team consulted the Capital Contracts Manager to ensure that all staff needs were addressed.
Dual flow/laminar systems
Ventilation is a critical aspect of operating theatre design. Modular operating theatres typically utilise a dual flow or laminar flow system, which provides a constant supply of clean air and helps to prevent the spread of infection. This is especially crucial in vascular hybrid theatres and orthopaedic surgeries.
Patient wellbeing is our top priority, and all modular operating theatres are designed to meet the highest standards of compliance, including HTM 2025 and 2040 regulations. This ensures that the environment is clean, safe, and conducive to patient recovery. Our work at the North Devon District Hospital is testament to our team’s meticulous attention to detail in this area, and our completion of North Devon Hospital’s modular Jubilee Ward resulted in MIG being shortlisted for the 2022 Healthcare Estates IHEEM Healthcare Supplier of the Year Award.
Studies have determined that laminar flow theatres offer a significant benefit to orthopaedic patients, and are often preferred by surgeons in general. A laminar system replaces the air within a room 300 times an hour, while conventional theatres change it 25 times an hour. Modular theatre solutions that incorporate laminar systems therefore allow hospitals to obtain better patient outcomes in the long term.
As the healthcare industry evolves from the pandemic, modular operating theatres offer a solution that is both innovative and practical.
Our expert team offer full fit-out services, but we also provide technical support for architects and designers looking to create bespoke operating theatre spaces.
Get in touch today to discuss your requirements.
