How To Deliver The Right Solution When Retrofitting Healthcare Spaces
Healthcare organisations are under pressure to rethink their infrastructures, in order to improve energy efficiency and ultimately help the NHS meet the government’s target of becoming net-zero by 2040.
The installation of HVAC systems, LED lighting and smart building controls represent direct ways to reduce emissions, provide cleaner air and combat rising energy costs. This effort is even more effective when conducted via a modular approach, where it is possible to achieve a 45% reduction in carbon emissions.
However, the retrofitting of existing facilities also offers more advantages. When seeking sustainability through redesigns, upgrades and new installations, healthcare estates teams should also take the opportunity to augment the facility as a whole.
Patient wellbeing always comes first
It shouldn’t be overlooked how retrofitting existing facilities can impact the most important people in a medical facility – the patients.
Adjustable lighting, individual temperature control systems and privacy features can make tangible improvements to patient wellbeing by keeping their environment positive, spacious and clean.
Through these simple adjustments, the patient experience is enhanced while energy usage is also made more efficient. We unlocked this twofold benefit during the modular fit-out of North Devon Hospital’s new Jubilee Ward. The 10-week project prioritised patient wellbeing during the fit-out, which included a full medical gas pipeline, as well as new specialist operating theatre equipment, air conditioning and HVAC system.
Increasing capacity while saving space
The NHS is not only trying to improve sustainability. It is doing so while also tackling a
We work with estates teams from the planning and drawing stage to solve both challenges simultaneously. By rethinking the overall layout of a facility or department, it’s possible to highlight where existing systems are restricting space, and also therefore impacting patient flows, staff accessibility, equipment placement and air quality levels.
Our work at The George Eliot Hospital showed how these metrics can be elevated through a retrofit that removes structural limitations and replaces them with more sustainable solutions.
The future of mobile healthcare units
As Trusts are increasingly required to deliver a more adaptable healthcare service, they face the question of how to supply sufficient medical gas systems in order to accommodate their growing estate.
The flexibility and scalability of PodServe enables Trusts to ensure their mobile healthcare units are just as effective as permanent constructions.
PodServe plant rooms and gas pods can last for years if maintained correctly, and they are much easier to maintain and modify than fitted gas pipelines.
These mobile units could also play a major role in reducing carbon outputs, as they can be designed to incorporate renewable energy sources and more energy-efficient technology.
Rewarding healthcare professionals
Refurbishing existing facilities can also positively impact healthcare professionals themselves and contribute to a more sustainable build for the NHS. In the same way that optimised spaces can increase capacity, it also improves the flow of people in and out of wards, surgeries or the facility itself.
Alternatively, our phased approach can ensure this all takes place in a complementary way to work schedules and ongoing operations. By conducting renovations in stages, targeting off-peak hours, carrying out works in live areas, facilitating relocations, and prioritising less burdened areas first, MIG ensures that doctors, nurses and healthcare staff can work unhindered.
Reach out to our experts to learn how we can guide your sustainability-driven retrofit, so your workers will soon be doing what they do best.
