Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) has introduced a digital twin covering six of its hospitals to create a smart estate.
“Moving from analogue to digital achieves a better understanding of our buildings and assets, improving their management and helping keep patients safe,” said David Bailey, Head of Digital Estates at MFT.
The launch of the digital twin will allow for a single, consistent view of the Manchester NHS estate for the first time.
The 3D model supports the Trust’s plan to develop a smart estate, one where information is connected and accessible to support better decisions.
Digitisation as a solution to common problems
Developed using Esri UK’s GIS platform, and underpinned by a data strategy from BIS Consult, the digital twin brings together information previously spread across multiple systems and paper-based processes.
“This project shows how smart use of data can transform NHS estates,” says Nicholas Campbell-Voegt, Director at BIS Consult. “It creates a single source of truth for assets and space and offers a blueprint for other Trusts to follow.”
The project visualises floors, rooms and spaces along with their associated data, helping staff understand how the estate is used and where improvements can be made.
The digital twin is already being used to examine how clinical and non-clinical spaces are occupied, identifying rooms where usage is lower than expected.
As the system is rolled out more widely, staff will be able to view occupancy levels in real time and manage space requests more effectively.
Teams responsible for reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) and asbestos safety will use the platform to carry out digital surveys on mobile devices.
Risk levels are displayed directly within the 3D model to support more efficient maintenance plans.
At one hospital, digitising asbestos management reduced preparation time by up to ten days each month.
Retrospective digitisation also offers a powerful solution for tackling the maintenance backlog, and preventing future problems from accumulating.
Next steps for the digital estate
The next phase of the programme will add the four remaining hospitals in the Trust and digitise building condition surveys.
Energy usage data will also be incorporated to support efforts to reduce energy costs.
The same underlying technology is increasingly being used in large, complex environments such as airports and universities.
For MFT, future applications may include indoor navigation for patients and staff, patient contact tracing and real-time asset tracking.
“Indoor mapping is playing a central role in the modernisation of MFT’s estates and facilities department,” said Duncan Booth, Head of Health and Social Care at Esri UK.
Beyond estates, other NHS organisations are using geospatial technology to understand population health needs and plan new services.
NHS South East London ICB and NHS South, Central and West CSU are expected to participate in an Esri UK webinar this Thursday.