JULY 2024 | £8 Also in this issue: Inside the Oak Cancer Centre A year of innovation, research and care healthcaredm.co.uk healthcare design & management Dealing with RAAC Airedale General Hospital pioneers a new way to monitor and repair Project completion Northwich Park Hospital’s complex ward addition EV charging Boost parking revenues while supporting ESG policies
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healthcaredm.co.uk 3 Publishers Stable Publishing Limited SBC House, Restmor Way Wallington, Surrey SM6 7AH, England. t. 020 8288 1080 f. 020 8288 1099 e. [email protected] healthcaredm.co.uk Editor Helen Adkins Sales Director Julian Walter Production Nicola Cann Design Gemma England Managing Director Toby Filby The atrium and staircase in the Oak Cancer Centre The publishers do not necessarily agree with views expressed by contributors and cannot accept responsibility for claims made by manufacturers and authors, nor do they accept any responsibility for any errors in the subject matter of this publication. healthcare design & management The Oak Cancer Centre in Sutton has celebrated its first year of operation, marking a significant milestone in cancer treatment facilities in the UK. With a focus on integrating advanced technology with patient-centric care, the centre aims to enhance the treatment experience while creating a healing environment. Architecturally, the building prioritises comfort, fresh air and natural light, and strives to offer a welcoming and contemporary atmosphere for patients and their families. At its core, the Oak Cancer Centre incorporates state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment tools, promising the latest advancements in cancer care, as well as stunning surroundings that include a striking atrium with a golden staircase. Research is pivotal here, with leading experts collaborating to translate scientific findings into practical treatments. The Oak Cancer Centre represents a significant investment in improving cancer care. Its innovative approach to blending technology with patient care provides valuable insights into the evolving landscape of oncology healthcare in the UK. However, alongside these advancements, the issue of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) in UK healthcare estates poses a pressing threat to British hospitals. Found in approximately 50 hospitals nationwide, RAAC poses risks such as compromised structural integrity, safety hazards for patients and staff, and disruptions to hospital operations. On page 19, we feature a pioneering initiative addressing the RAAC risk at Airedale General Hospital, identified as having the highest concentration of RAAC panels in the NHS. This project introduces a geospatial system with indoor mapping to enhance RAAC monitoring and repairs. Addressing the RAAC challenge demands meticulous planning, substantial investment and modern construction techniques to ensure the safety and reliability of healthcare facilities. The initiative at Airedale General Hospital demonstrates how proactive measures can mitigate risks and improve overall safety standards across the healthcare sector. While the Oak Cancer Centre symbolises progress in cancer care, the RAAC issue underscores the ongoing need for vigilance and strategic action to safeguard hospital environments and uphold patient safety nationwide. Helen Adkins Editor [email protected] Editor’s Letter July 2024 The highs and lows of our healthcare estate
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healthcaredm.co.uk 5 IN THIS ISSUE... July 2024 7 News A look at the Health Foundation’s latest think tank report, as well as a round-up of all the latest news across the sector 12 Oak Cancer Centre Funded by The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, the Oak Cancer Centre has received a high commendation at the 2025 European Healthcare Design awards. Now fully open, we look at this innovative research diagnostic and treatment facility 16 Northwick Park Hospital As one of its most complex projects to date, MTX has completed the £20m, short-stay ward constructed above one of London’s busiest A&E departments 19 Dealing with RAAC Airedale General Hospital has gone live with a new geospatial system to help manage its RAAC monitoring and repairs programme 22 New diagnostic centre for Yeovil Construction has begun on a new diagnostic centre at Yeovil District Hospital 25 Fitting fire doors Karen Trigg of security firm Allegion explains how accurate hardware installation is crucial to the performance and reliability of fire doors 28 EV charging Dan Lessiter, from charge point operator Believ, explains how partnering with a charge point operator can help support ESG policies and boost parking revenues 31 Lockers As Linklockers and eLocker go into partnership, we look at what’s on offer 33 Comment piece Lola Akanbi, senior security consultant at Protection Group International examines the latest cyberattacks on UK hospitals and offers solutions on how to combat them 22 25
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healthcaredm.co.uk 7 NEWS Bupa Health Clinics has partnered with MyHealthcare, a private medical and dental provider, to open five new Bupa Health Centres at MyHealthcare's sites. The new centres, located in Balham, Swiss Cottage, Chiswick, Edgbaston and Peterborough, will offer comprehensive health assessments to provide an overview of current health and wellbeing and identify potential future health risks. These new partnership sites will also offer Bupa’s primary care services, including private GP appointments, the Menopause Plan, and the Period Plan, which will be introduced over the coming months. Dr Akash Patel, medical director at MyHealthcare, added, ‘We’re proud to work with Bupa to open five new Bupa Health Clinics at key locations. The centres offer a wide range of services under one roof, making healthcare easily accessible and helping customers stay informed about their health.’ www.bupa.co.uk www.myhealthcareclinic.com Bupa announce partnership with MyHealthcare A recent survey has revealed that a majority of Britons prefer increased NHS funding for community services rather than hospitals, highlighting a disconnect between government funding priorities and public opinion. The survey, conducted by the Health Foundation think tank and polling group Ipsos UK, combined nationwide polling with in-depth public deliberative workshops. It found that 60% of respondents in England favour prioritising local care access, such as GPs and dentistry, over hospital care, which was chosen by only 29%. Participants believe that strengthening community services can reduce the burden on hospitals and A&E departments by facilitating earlier diagnosis and treatment, which could indicate a growing frustration with accessing GPs and dentists. The survey, which included 1,774 participants, also revealed that around half of the public (47%) would also prefer to see an increase in taxes to maintain the current levels of care and services provided by the NHS. This compares to just 11% who would like to reduce spending on other public services to maintain current levels of NHS care, and 9% who would reduce the level of services provided by the NHS to avoid increasing tax and spending. The polling also found that those intending to vote for Labour (63%) and Liberal Democrat (61%) are more in favour of increasing taxes than those voting Conservative (41%). In the workshops, despite concerns about the cost of living, participants overwhelmingly wanted improvements in NHS services and supported increases in taxes to achieve this. However, participants had conditions around additional funding, including a need for the NHS to be more efficient and spend its budget well, a need to see improvements in services, and greater transparency and long-term planning to make the best use of the budget. Despite these preferences, spending on hospital services has increased as a proportion of total NHS expenditure in recent years, while the share allocated to primary care and community health has decreased. Hospital trusts have seen a funding growth of 27% since 2016-17, compared to just 14% for community trusts. Additionally, while the number of hospital and community health doctors has increased substantially, the number of fully qualified GPs has decreased. Tim Gardner, assistant director of policy at the Health Foundation said: ‘As we approach the General Election, it is vital that the political parties have a deep understanding of what the public wants and expects. No issue is more crucial than the NHS, which is seen as a top priority among voters.’ www.health.org.uk/news-and-comment/ news/public-want-government-toprioritise-primary-care-over-hospitals Most Britons want more NHS funding for community services over hospitals
8 healthcaredm.co.uk NEWS Morgan Sindall Construction has been selected to undertake a series of newbuild and refurbishment projects across several sites within the Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust. The Essex business of this tier one contractor was chosen for six projects under the ProCure23 (P23) framework, amounting to £60 million in total. The two main projects include a new Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) in Pitsea and the establishment of the Southend Elective Surgical Hub. The Pitsea CDC will be constructed on the site of the current Pitsea Leisure Centre, which will be demolished to make way for the new facility. The new centre will feature an MRI and CT scanning suite, X-ray machines, a pharmacy, ultrasound, consultancy rooms and a phlebotomy area, as well as new library and sporting facilities. This project is part of a government initiative to move diagnostics out of acute hospitals and into community sites to facilitate easier public access and earlier diagnosis. In addition to the Pitsea CDC, the new elective surgery hub at Southend University Hospital will include two new surgical theatres, significantly increasing the hospital’s surgical capacity. Morgan Sindall has a history of collaboration with the Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, currently working on projects at Broomfield Hospital in Chelmsford and Thurrock Community Hospital, procured through the NHS Shared Business Services (NHS SBS) framework. In alignment with Morgan Sindall’s commitment to social value, local suppliers and workforce will be utilised throughout the construction process. Peter Whitmore, managing director for Morgan Sindall Construction in the East, highlighted the significant health and wellbeing benefits these improvements will bring to communities in Essex. He said: ‘It is great to announce this latest raft of projects, which we will be delivering as part of the ProCure23 framework with the NHS across mid and south Essex. These improvements, across a number of important healthcare facilities in the county, will bring a wide range of valuable health and wellbeing benefits for communities in Essex. This will range from helping to speed up diagnosis within local settings and supercharging Southend’s surgical capabilities.’ The P23 framework, now in its fourth generation, is part of the CCS CWAS2 procurement framework, focusing on modern construction delivery, sustainability and social value. P23 has an anticipated cumulative spend of £9 billion over its four-year lifespan, building on the successes of previous iterations that delivered over £10 billion in projects for the NHS. www.morgansindall.com Morgan Sindall to upgrade multiple Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust sites
healthcaredm.co.uk 9 NEWS Quintain, the developer behind Wembley Park, has announced the opening of a new GP ‘super surgery’ at Wembley Park, the largest in North West London. Located on the ground floor of the Repton Gardens residential development, the surgery was delivered in partnership with Brent Council. Operated by the relocated Wembley Park Medical Centre, it serves up to 25,000 local residents, having significantly increased patient capacity and providing space for 14 GP staff. Facilities include two clinical suites, 14 consult exam rooms and four treatment rooms, as well as an e-consult room, and facilities for minor surgery and respiratory testing. Dr Sachin P Patel, GP partner at the centre, highlighted the enhanced capacity and modern facilities that will benefit both the community and the staff. ‘I have been a GP at the surgery for 11 years and I’m thrilled for the opening of the new space, which now allows us to serve a larger proportion of the community. ‘This new purpose-built facility is fit for modern care and treatment, with stateof-the-art primary care facilities and services as well as an increase in staff. This is not only going to hugely benefit the local community but also our staff, who have been working in cramped conditions for many years.’ James Saunders, chief executive of Quintain, added: ‘This new GP surgery will increase high-quality healthcare provision in the borough of Brent for residents new and old in a purpose-built facility. From its inception, our masterplan at Wembley Park sought to provide everything local residents need to live healthy, happy lives in their neighbourhood.’ www.quintain.co.uk Quintain announces opening of largest GP surgery in North West London Cramlington-based Merit, the leading industrialised construction and digital manufacturing specialist in the UK, has transported its first Air Handling Unit (AHU POD) to Norwich Community Hospital. Weighing 20.5 tonnes, the AHU POD travelled 300 miles from the North East to Norfolk, and marks the first offsite component delivered for the new therapy-led rehabilitation unit. Earlier this year, Merit announced the multi-million-pound project in collaboration with Norfolk Community Health and Care NHS Trust. Utilising 4D BIM modelling technology and the new V6 UltraPOD® SFS Variant, Merit aims to complete the new unit by August 2024, promising a faster and more cost-effective construction schedule with a focus on sustainability. The project is the first to employ the V6 Merit delivers first AHU POD for Norwich Community Hospital UltraPOD® SFS Variant, an extension of the successful UltraPOD® used in various healthcare, biotech and pharmaceutical facilities across the UK, including the new community hospital in Berwick and Solihull Hospital’s new Elective Hub. The V6 UltraPOD® SFS Variant enhances affordability and accessibility through a significantly reduced programme, using Merit’s latest roll former and panel line production system. The V6 platform is rated BREEAM Excellent, EPC-A and consumes 69% less energy than current CIBSE hospital benchmarks. Upon completion, the new facility will feature 48 beds in single and four-bedded bays, treatment areas, an assessment kitchen, a self-service café and a reception area. The Willow Therapy Unit will focus on therapy-led services, facilitating smooth transitions from hospital to community care and alleviating pressures on local acute hospitals. www.merit.co.uk
London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust Our track record speaks volumes: from hospital extensions to repurposing clinical space, we navigate complexities with ease. Take our recent project in North London, where we added a 32-bed ward above the city's busiest A&E in just six months. With minimal disruption to the existing operational space, our flexible, forward-thinking construction methodologies allowed operational and patient activities to continue seamlessly. At MTX, we don't believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. Our tailored approach adapts to your unique needs, ensuring your vision becomes reality - whatever direction your project is heading in. In the dynamic and ever-changing landscape of the NHS, development space is at a premium. At MTX, we offer innovative solutions that push the boundaries of healthcare construction onwards, upwards and outwards. London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust
PREVIEW This year’s healthcare buildings forum comes at an exciting time for the healthcare construction industry, as the carbon net-zero deadline of 2040 draws ever closer and the way we deliver the next generation of health and care facilities is set to change. Over two days, top industry names will be speaking on the burning issues and challenges facing the healthcare industry. Stable presents its annual event, which unites NHS trusts and private healthcare providers, architects, contractors and other stakeholders, as well as service and product suppliers Healthcare buildings forum 2024 ‘‘The idea of our speaker sessions, and other networking opportunities over the duration of the forum, is to let delegates know exactly where they fit in this new environment and how to make the most out of the projects that are coming through’ These will include: • James Bate Senior sustainability consultant at Healthcare, Turner & Townsend, who will speak on how to make carbon pay • Maria Luigia Assirelli Director at Floyd Slaski Architects, look at the benefits of ongoing communication and engagement between client stakeholders and design team • Karl Redmond Strategic estates lead – NHSE, NHS/New Hospitals Programme, will be discussing designing the hospital of the future: embracing digital technologies in driving efficiency. NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES Our unique format means supplier delegates are guaranteed quality time with commissioners and can demonstrate how their products or services can help to transform a new generation of buildings. Helen Adkins, editor of healthcare, design and management, said ‘The idea of our speaker sessions, and other networking opportunities over the duration of the forum, is to let delegates know exactly where they fit in this new environment and how to make the most out of the projects that are coming through. ‘The forum also provides the ideal platform for suppliers to meet with the people in charge of commissioning for health and social care developments, and to put their innovative products forward. We look forward to meeting you all.’ For more information about the event, or to register for your place, visit the website hb-forum.co.uk or email [email protected] (speaker delegates) [email protected] (supplier delegates) and [email protected] (project delegates). Healthcare buildings forum 2024 11 and 12 July Golf day 10 July, playing The Brabazon The Belfry, Sutton Coldfield www.hb-forum.co.uk
12 healthcaredm.co.uk PROJECT One year has passed since the inauguration of the Oak Cancer Centre in Sutton, officiated by His Royal Highness (HRH) Prince William, The Prince of Wales. Supported by donors to The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity’s £70 million Oak Cancer Centre appeal, this cuttingedge facility promises to accelerate advancements in cancer research and treatment. With its patient-centred design, the Oak Cancer Centre integrates outpatient care with advanced research facilities. The six-storey, 134,000 sq. ft concrete frame building comprises of outpatient and clinical day-care facilities, and the Charles Wolfson Rapid Diagnostic Centre, as well as dedicated areas for education and training. Wrapped around a newly landscaped garden, the centre incorporates accessible external terraces featuring a striking pergola on the top level. An With its innovative patient-centred design, the Oak Cancer Centre in Sutton integrates outpatient care with advanced research facilities. Helen Adkins spoke to the BDP architects behind the project interior atrium features a perforated, golden, anodised aluminium staircase, wrapped around a glazed lift shaft. Full height glazing and a subtly curved layout ensures ample natural light and visual connectivity throughout the centre, while external vertical fins shield against glare. This design approach creates a welcoming environment that feels expansive yet intimate, promoting a sense of calm and reducing stress. Recognising the critical role of staff satisfaction in healthcare delivery, the design team also focused on enhancing with a rejuvenating space to recharge between duties. This transformation aims to support staff retention and wellbeing, particularly in the wake of the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Oak Cancer Centre was conceived as a critical upgrade to replace outdated NHS facilities. BDP’s architect director Dominic Hook and project architect Peter Ruffell had a clear goal from the outset. ‘We took over from some of the existing facilities and the old 1960s block which was no longer fit for purpose,’ said Hook. ‘It was classic NHS estate – amazing work being staff amenities as well a patient wellbeing. Previously, staff had a small café corner. Now, they enjoy a dedicated restaurant and private terrace, providing them done in not an amazing environment. We needed to create a facility where the quality of patient care was matched by the quality of the physical environment.’ ‘The aspiration was to create a positive healthcare experience, where patients feel confident, informed, safe, reassured and cared-for’ Architecture of healing
healthcaredm.co.uk 13 PROJECT CONSULTATION FOR CHEMOTHERAPY One of the defining architectural characteristics is the geometry of the building, which is orientated around an existing garden that has been developed and landscaped. ‘When we first visited the site, it was the calmest part of the site,’ remembers Ruffell. ‘And that was a light bulb moment – a positive natural asset – so we asked ourselves if we could shape the building around it as a crescent.’ As a result, the chemotherapy suite follows the shape of the building and all 63 bays face the garden. Hook says: ‘Frankly, you're going to go through a pretty grim experience here, so we wanted to try and make that experience as positive as it possibly can be. We tried to avoid the patients overlooking a service yard, for instance.’ Consultation with stakeholders — staff, clinicians, patients and community groups — was integral to refining the centre’s layout and functionality, and the chemotherapy suite was meticulously designed to balance clinical efficiency with patient comfort and privacy. Each bay has a cluster of three seats, mirroring the nursing ratio. This setup allows nurses to respond promptly while providing patients with the option to rest, read or sit back with headphones. Physical dividers between bays offer privacy, but the height is low enough so that people can socialise with each other, should they wish to. If they don’t, they can simply lean back for privacy. Each bay also has dual aspect glazing, so there’s full height glazing across the external perimeter and then glazing back to the main atrium. The feedback that the architects have had so far is that it’s an open, airy and positive space, without feeling overwhelming. Hook stresses that consultation is a significant part of what they do when they work in the hospitals and public sector. ‘We engage widely with staff, nurses, clinicians, users in terms of patients and patient groups, and community groups. We don’t just pay lip service but try to have meaningful engagement to get something out of it,’ he says. INTEGRATION OF RESEARCH AND PATIENT CARE Central to the Oak Cancer Centre's functionality is its seamless integration of research and clinical spaces. The research facilities are located on the main level rather than isolating them on a different floor, which helps to promote collaboration between researchers and clinicians, but also ensures that research is woven into the fabric of daily patient care. Another key component is the rapid
14 healthcaredm.co.uk PROJECT diagnostic centre, which has a separate entrance for people who may be at the beginning of their journey following a referral. While still connected to the public atrium, this ensures that those who are not actual patients, and potentially suffering from a heightened state of anxiety, will avoid meeting those receiving treatment. Hook explains: ‘So, if you're going through that main entrance, you're already a patient and you’re going there for treatment. Separate entrances for patients and those undergoing diagnostics help alleviate anxiety, ensuring a supportive environment tailored to different needs.’ Using natural materials and forms, the design aims to reconnect people with their surroundings, Ruffell says: ‘The aspiration was to create a positive healthcare experience, where patients feel confident, informed, safe, reassured and cared-for. We sought to create a holistic healing environment by creating visual connectivity between external and internal spaces, separate and defined routes of travel, intuitive wayfinding and a consistent palette of materials and colours.’ SUSTAINABILITY, BIODIVERSITY AND ATMOSPHERE Environmental sustainability was a fundamental principle guiding the design and construction. The sawtooth roof, ‘I have no doubt that this building will improve the lives of the patients who use it. In our small part, we have provided a place that can bring support and comfort to people who need it’ fitted with solar panels on the southfacing side, harnesses renewable energy while minimising heat gain. Integrated bird and bat boxes in the external walls contribute to local biodiversity, enriching the ecological footprint of the centre. As healthcare architecture evolves, the Oak Cancer Centre stands as a testament to the transformative power of thoughtful design, where every element - from spatial planning to sustainability initiatives - contributes to a holistic healing environment. Through ongoing feedback and adaptation, the Oak Cancer Centre continues to evolve, ensuring that its design remains responsive to the needs of patients, staff and the broader community. Hook says: ‘Cancer centres are where some of life’s most stressful moments happen, so throughout the design process, we wanted to ensure patients would receive treatment in the best possible environments. ‘Every part of the architecture here is considered so that anxious patients are not further stressed by being disorientated or struggling to find their way around. The building occupants will be able to enjoy great views, peace and quiet while receiving chemotherapy. A legible and accessible design means those attending the new outpatients department will be able to undergo blood tests, see their consultant and collect a prescription, all on the same floor. ‘I have no doubt that this building will improve the lives of the patients who use it. In our small part, we have provided a place that can bring support and comfort to people who need it.’ www.bdp.com
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16 healthcaredm.co.uk As one of its most complex projects to date, MTX has completed the £20m, short-stay ward constructed above one of London’s busiest A&E departments Northwick Park Hospital complete A £20 million, 32-bed short-stay ward has been constructed above London’s busiest A&E department at Northwick Park Hospital by specialists in modern construction methods MTX. MTX describes this project as one of its most complex to date. Northwick Park Hospital, located on the outskirts of Harrow, is managed by the London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust. The new short-stay ward aims to enhance patient care quality and is part of an NHS England initiative to address the growing demand for general and acute beds nationwide. Trust chief executive Pippa Nightingale explained: ‘We have one of the country’s biggest and busiest A&Es, so this is a welcome and much-needed addition to our capacity.’ The construction involved using 32 offsite-manufactured structural steel modules, assembled on a steel deck supported by the existing concrete stub columns of the original A&E department. The challenging location in the heart of the busy hospital site required the use of a 40-metre-high tower crane with an 80-meter reach, one of Europe’s heaviest. Every component, including 200 tonnes of steel and nearly 2000 construction boards, had to be lifted onto the deck. Over 150 days, the team completed more than PROJECT ‘The challenging location in the heart of the busy hospital site required the use of a 40-metre-high tower crane with an 80-metre reach, one of Europe’s heaviest’ A suspended corridor connects the building to the existing hospital The reception area 2000 lifts without any safety incidents. Additional site infrastructure, including high-strength concrete foundations and piling, was constructed to support the tower crane. MTX prides itself on minimising disruption to medical services during construction. At Northwick Park, this involved maintaining safe access to the A&E department for pedestrians and ambulances throughout the build. The company built an ultrastrong crash deck above the A&E entrance to protect staff and visitors, and constructed a pedestrian bridge over a busy road to ensure continuous access to the build location. Project lead Ian Brook highlighted the critical factors considered throughout
healthcaredm.co.uk 17 PROJECT The 40-metre-high tower crane with an 80-metre reach is one of Europe’s heaviest One of the new wards Each component had to be lifted onto the deck the build, which included working above London’s busiest A&E department. He explains: ‘There were a number of critical factors that had to be considered throughout the build – working on top of London’s busiest A&E department, interacting with the public and staff, and ensuring the large number of deliveries and vehicle movements did not impact on the ambulance routes and access to the clinical areas.’ The new unit, which includes 32 short-stay beds and ancillary areas, is finished to a high standard. The project involved designing and installing premanufactured mechanical modules for ventilation and environmental control, with an integrated plant facility included in the M&E specification. The new first-floor construction connects to existing hospital buildings via a 20-metre suspended corridor, with two additional 10-meter bridges linking to stairwells for staff and visitor access. MTX managing director David Hartley commented: ‘We have worked with the Trust on previous projects and are immensely proud to deliver this new facility. Our team recognises the urgent need for these new beds at Northwick Park and worked closely with the Trust to progress the build programme as swiftly and safely as possible.’ www.mtxcontracts.co.uk
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healthcaredm.co.uk 19 Reinforced aerated autoclaved concrete (RAAC) has been found in over 50 hospitals, 200 schools, and many other types of public and private buildings in the UK. With an intended lifespan of around 30 years, the troublesome material has long outlived its intended use in many locations. One of the main problems with RAAC is its vulnerability Repairing RAAC RAAC to moisture which can weaken it and lead to collapse. A trailblazing project to tackle the risk from RAAC has recently gone live at Airedale General Hospital, where a new geospatial system is helping to manage its RAAC monitoring and repairs programme. The project involves indoor mapping. People have been using maps in the outdoor world for centuries but mapping inside spaces is relatively new. Moving indoors opens up many new benefits to manage assets – from RAAC to asbestos – to help keep public services safe and open. Airedale has one of the highest quantities of RAAC panels in the NHS, with 83% of floors, walls and ceilings made of the material. Built in the late 1960s, the hospital in West Yorkshire first discovered its RAAC problem five years ago and is due to be rebuilt by 2030 as part of the government’s New Hospital Programme. NEW DIGITAL WORKFLOWS Having used a manual, hand-written survey process to monitor the RAAC up until 2023, it became clear to the estates management team that this was not capable of dealing with the sheer volume of work. What was needed was a single, joined-up view of RAAC risk to generate the inspection frequencies and inform the ongoing programme of remediation works. BIS Consult were appointed by Airedale General Hospital to implement a new RAAC data management solution. Using Esri UK’s Geographic Information System (GIS) software, the team created a new system to replace paper-based processes with digital workflows to improve the accuracy and efficiency of RAAC inspections. Esri GIS provides powerful digital maps, apps, dashboards and tools to analyse spatial data. At Airedale, it has been used to map the indoors of the hospital to reveal where the highest risk areas >> Airedale General Hospital has one of the highest quantities of RAAC panels in the NHS iPad inspection survey Airedale General Hospital is advancing its management of RAAC with a new indoor mapping approach. Duncan Booth, head of Health and Social Care at Esri UK, examines how the first project of its kind is helping to improve the repairs programme
20 healthcaredm.co.uk RAAC Damaged RAAC concrete roof panel showing a hole and deterioration RAAC inspection at Airedale General Hospital ‘Patterns of deterioration can be clearly seen and investigated on an estate map, overlaid with drone imagery, which helps all stakeholders understand the problem more easily’ are in real-time, which informs the mitigation works - including temporary propping, steel reinforcements and fixing roof leaks – to maintain the safe operation of the hospital. Inspection data is now collected on iPads using custom forms, which helps dictate the risk rating of each plank. All of this data feeds back into the central mapping application. Planks are surveyed either monthly, three-monthly, six-monthly or yearly, depending on their rating, in line with current guidance. The output helps instruct the survey team about which wards they need to survey and which planks are due for inspection. Improved insights are now generated faster than before, as the GIS can run different spatial analysis and scenarios, including tracking monthly changes in residual risk and providing detailed information relating to each specific concrete plank. Patterns of deterioration can be clearly seen and investigated on an estate map, overlaid with drone imagery, which helps all stakeholders understand the problem more easily. Factors which impact on RAAC, such as the location of utilities and services, the orientation of a building and prevailing weather can all be better assessed using this method. FIFTY PER CENT OF EFFICIENCY SAVINGS The digital approach has created a more robust and resilient process, with a reduced risk of human error and which makes RAAC information more shareable. This improves the ability to communicate the scale and complexity of the problem, with both internal and external stakeholders. The new approach has introduced 50% efficiency savings in the RAAC surveying process, which involves a team of eight inspecting 20,000 RAAC planks across 52 departments. In terms of cost savings and return on investment, the system pays for itself and saves money at the same time – it has also saved recruiting four additional full-time surveying staff and all the costs that would have entailed. Next steps on the pioneering project include building dashboards to further enhance how RAAC data is reported and consumed, allowing hospital staff to selfserve and generate their own statistics using different parameters. KPIs will be available on the dashboards to further aid the management of the problem from an operational and financial perspective. Using dashboards to visualise the data makes it easy to share new insights with key stakeholders, from board directors to contractors. REPEATABLE PROJECT Overall, the GIS is a powerful tool which helps manage the sheer volume of work, provides a single source of truth on RAAC risk and helps prioritise where interventions are required to keep the hospital running safely. Defining RAAC risk is a significant challenge across the public sector, including hospitals, care settings, schools and other public buildings, and the Airedale project showcases best practice. Mapping the indoors helps organisations to understand the risk in a cost-effective, accurate and efficient way and then prioritise mitigation works. Reaction from across public sector has been very positive and the team (Airedale, BIS Consult and Esri UK) is talking to other hospitals about how the approach could help them. The application is repeatable across other healthcare settings with any data integration challenges overcome by Esri UK’s partner BIS Consult. Although each trust will likely have different IT infrastructures, the concept and the project approach remains the same. www.esriuk.com
Healthcare Estates® Conference. Exhibition. Awards. 8-9 October 2024 Manchester Central Embracing the Challenges As the UK’s largest event for Healthcare Engineering and Estates Management professionals, Healthcare Estates® is the place for professionals of all levels to tap into deep expertise and discover solutions to the challenges facing your organisation, today and in the future. Register your place at www.healthcare-estates.com. Conference delegate savings: register by 30 July to secure the Early Booking discount.
22 healthcaredm.co.uk PROJECT Located on the Yeovil District Hospital site, the new stand-alone diagnostic centre will benefit patients in Somerset and north west Dorset by providing quicker diagnostic tests. When it opens in late 2024, it will provide a sevenday service for radiology, endoscopy, cardiology and audiology departments, and offer around 70,000 diagnostic tests and outpatient appointments per year. Property developers Prime PLC collaborated with Darwin Group to design and develop the sustainable facility, which will aim for net zero embodied carbon and a 267% biodiversity net gain. Meanwhile, Darwin Group’s offsite modular construction methods ensures the project will be delivered up to 60% faster and with up to 90% less waste than traditional building methods, making it one of the most efficient and sustainable options in the marketplace. The facility will take shape quickly, with 73 modules being delivered and installed overnight over the course of eight days, transforming the estate at pace, whilst minimising disruption to the busy active hospital site. Within the new CDC, there will be an audiology unit and a cardio diagnostic centre, as well as an imaging suite offering quick CT and MRI scans for patients. In addition, the centre will house a stateof-the-art endoscopy unit, which will help to relieve the pressure on the busy endoscopy unit in the main part of the hospital, so it can prioritise emergencies. As a result, waiting times for endoscopies are expected to be greatly reduced. The centre will also have a number of additional clinic rooms, as well as a conference room at the top for various clinical meetings to take place. Dr Cen Thomas, a consultant radiologist at Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, said: Construction has begun on a new diagnostic centre at Yeovil District Hospital, which was celebrated with a groundbreaking ceremony attended by key partners. We look at what to expect Yeovil Diagnostic Centre will be constructed using modular construction methods Designed to achieve net zero embodied carbon, the centre is also projected to yield an impressive biodiversity net gain of 267% New diagnostic centre at Yeovil District Hospital
healthcaredm.co.uk 23 PROJECT ‘Rapid access to diagnostic tests will help save lives and this new community diagnostic centre for Yeovil and the surrounding region will help to achieve this.’ Jonathan Ockrim, a consultant colorectal surgeon and Somerset FT’s clinical lead for the Yeovil Community Diagnostic Centre, praised the investment in the new facilities: ‘I’ve worked at the hospital for 21 years and have never seen such an incredible investment, which gives us much more capacity to care for and treat our patients.’ GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY Somerset NHS Foundation Trust’s chief executive Peter Lewis was joined at the groundbreaking ceremony by clinicians at the trust, along with representatives from InHealth, which will provide radiology and endoscopy services, and Prime PLC, the trust’s strategic estates partner. Members of M&G Investment were also present. Alan Davidson, healthcare director of Darwin Group, expressed his pride in contributing to improved healthcare outcomes through this project. He said: ‘The projects we deliver help to transform patient and staff experience and improve healthcare outcomes for tens of thousands ‘Within the new CDC, there will be an audiology unit and a cardio diagnostic centre, as well as an imaging suite offering quick CT and MRI scans for patients’ of people every year, and this diagnostic centre will be no exception. ‘It’s always great to see work getting underway and to hear first-hand about the impact that the facility will have on the local community.’ When complete, the Yeovil Diagnostic centre will be one of five new CDCs in the south west, as part of InHealth’s partnership with NHS England. Geoff Searle, CEO of InHealth commented: ‘Across our nationwide network of CDCs, we’ve seen the real difference and positive impact that centres like these can bring for patients, focussed on improving health outcomes, so it’s fantastic to be doing that here in Yeovil. ‘Our mission at InHealth is to make healthcare better and improve access to services like the ones that are going to be delivered here, as well as reduce the time people are waiting for a diagnosis and care, so it really will be a fantastic healthcare facility and something that InHealth is already very proud of and very much looking forward to opening.’ www.primeplc.com www.darwingroup.co.uk www.inhealthgroup.com www.mandg.com/investments/gb Atrium First floor waiting room
Whitby Community Hospital: Prioritising Patient Safety with Advanced Fire Protection Systems The newly refurbished Tower Block now offers a comprehensive range of services, including an urgent treatment centre, podiatry and physiotherapy services, audiology, and a dedicated ward (Memorial Ward) for patients requiring hospitalisation. Creating a safe and comfortable environment for all occupants was paramount throughout the renovation. Hochiki Europe’s Latitude System: Prioritising Safety and Orderly Evacuation Tees Fire Systems Limited, a trusted partner of Hochiki Europe, was chosen for the fire protection system installation. Their expertise and experience, coupled with Hochiki Europe’s advanced technology, ensured the best possible solution for the hospital. The project utilised Hochiki Europe’s Latitude system, recognised for its powerful cause-and-effect functionality. This feature is particularly valuable in healthcare environments, allowing for phased evacuations in case of fire. Hospitals house a significant number of vulnerable individuals, making it essential to avoid widespread panic during fire emergencies. The Latitude system addresses this concern by enabling the immediate evacuation of the affected area while simultaneously triggering warnings in neighbouring zones. This provides nurses and doctors with valuable time to prepare for a potential evacuation, ensuring a calm and controlled process. The Latitude system seamlessly integrates with other critical building systems, such as elevators and the plant room, through the building management system. This interconnectedness allows for a controlled and safe evacuation, prioritising patient safety during emergencies. Additionally, Hochiki Latitude Vision repeaters with LCD touchscreens were installed at nurses’ stations. These compact and user-friendly repeaters provide staff with a clear understanding of the situation in case of an alarm, facilitating a swift response. Flexibility and Ease of Maintenance Another significant advantage of Hochiki Europe’s devices is their adaptability to various ward and room configurations. Utilising a universal mounting base, sensors, sounders, and beacons can be easily installed and replaced, ensuring flexibility in fire safety design and simplified maintenance. The project’s completion in October 2021 presented its own set of challenges. The ongoing global pandemic necessitated careful management of teams working alongside other contractors. However, these unique circumstances also provided an unexpected benefit. The availability of an entire floor during specific phases allowed for a methodical and efficient installation and testing process. David Hynes, Managing Director of Tees Fire Systems, expressed his satisfaction with the collaboration: “We wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Hochiki Europe, especially for healthcare projects. Their knowledgeable team, particularly the technical support staff, is always ready to assist us.” This sentiment was echoed by Mick Hall, System Sales Manager at Hochiki Europe, who highlighted the long-standing and trusted relationship with Tees Fire. The successful project further strengthened this partnership, leading to a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) session delivered by Tees Fire for hospital staff on the critical topic of False Alarm Management in a healthcare setting. Ongoing Maintenance for Continued Safety Tees Fire’s commitment to patient safety extends beyond the initial installation. They currently hold an ongoing maintenance contract with NHS property services, ensuring the Hochiki Europe life safety devices continue to function optimally at Whitby Community Hospital. The successful renovation of Whitby Community Hospital’s Tower Block demonstrates the importance of prioritising patient safety. By implementing a sophisticated fire protection system and fostering strong partnerships between healthcare providers, fire safety experts, and technology manufacturers, this project sets a commendable example for modern healthcare facility design. To learn more about Hochiki’s Latitude system visit: hochikieurope.com/latitude Whitby Community Hospital, a key healthcare provider for Whitby and the surrounding area, recently completed a major renovation project for the Tower Block section. This refurbishment aimed to deliver modern and accessible facilities for both inpatients and outpatients. A crucial aspect of this project involved the installation of a state-of-the-art fire protection system to ensure the safety of patients, staff, and visitors. ADVERTISMENT FEATURE
healthcaredm.co.uk 25 For a building to be considered fire safe, it must have functioning fire doors. As a crucial element of passive fire protection, fire doors are recognised as a legal requirement in non-domestic properties and houses in multiple occupation (HMOs), and as such, careful attention is frequently placed on standardised testing, specification and ongoing maintenance. Perhaps less understood is the importance of accurate door hardware installation. Certified fire doors are tested with – and are reliant on – several components, including hinges, locks, latches and door closers. Though, where ironmongery products must be CE or Inaccurate Installation: A route to non-compliance The performance and reliability of fire doors can be undone by inaccurate hardware installation. Karen Trigg of Allegion UK explains the significance of installer competence and how responsible persons should approach fire door hardware fittings to ensure lives aren’t put at risk UKCA marked, Certifire accredited and tested under separate standards, there is less regulatory emphasis placed on fire door installation specifically. Should hardware be improperly or inaccurately fitted to a fire door, its fire-resistant capabilities become compromised, leaving buildings and its occupants at risk. Without functional hardware components, a fire door is rendered useless and, with the onus being placed on responsible persons, decision makers simply can’t afford to neglect any stage of fire door safety – including installation. COMPETENCE AND COLLABORATION Installation remains a pain point for the fire safety industry. Evidence suggests that incorrect installation is one of the leading causes of fire door failure, and despite a wave of regulatory framework updates in other areas, there still remains a level of ambiguity towards the proficiency required for fitting fire door hardware. As per the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022: fire door guidance, it is assumed that responsible persons possess evidence that the design, specification and installation of a fire door is adequate for its location. Section 6.7 of the legislation expands on installation further, stating that upon inspection, if there is any doubt that a fire-resistant flat entrance door has been replaced, the resident will need to confirm that the new fire door has been ‘installed by a competent person’. While it’s clear then that fire door installation is a critical aspect of our built environment, there is currently no legal requirement for fire door installers to possess a specific qualification or accreditation. For some, this presents a misconception that fire doors and their hardware can be installed by anyone – after all, how is ‘competence’ defined? But in doing so, decision makers are often risking fire safety compliance as a result, with unskilled individuals using incorrect fixing methods and stripping certified fire doors of their FD rating in the process. Where Phase 3 of the Building Safety Act 2022 looks to make it easier for enforcement authorities to act against non-compliance, responsible persons are urged to seek trusted, professional help when unsure – in the same way they >> FIRE SAFETY
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