Long-lasting building services 'key' to hospital delivery programme

Published: 29-Apr-2022

REHAU whitepaper calls for 'healthy design' approach to 40 new hospitals being delivered under the Government's healthcare infrastucture plan

As ambitious plans for the UK’s New Hospital Programme (NHP) are set in motion, a report is highlighting the importance of healthy design in long-lasting healthcare facilities.

As construction firms are preparing to vie for £2.5billion of work under the programme, a survey from polymer supplier, REHAU, quizzing 520 M&E contractors and architects on key issues affecting building design has been published.

And, of the 25% of respondents working in the healthcare sector, 98% said they would be willing to pay extra for products with longer lifespans when constructing healthcare facilities.

Titled Designing Healthy Healthcare, the guide (pictured below) explores the challenges and opportunities for contractors and specifiers involved in the construction of new healthcare environments, including hospitals, GP surgeries, and care homes.

The near future will likely be transformational for the UK’s health services, so now is an ideal time to reset the course and improve new and existing stock

Alongside looking at how a patient-centric approach to selecting solutions can improve health outcomes, the whitepaper also explores technologies that can help the sector tackle future challenges like climate change.

Long-lasting building services 'key' to hospital delivery programme

“This additional hospital construction funding from the Government as part of the NHP is clearly welcome news, but as with all grants, using this funding as wisely as possible will be key,” explains Steve Richmond, head of marketing and technical at REHAU Building Solutions UK.

“All sectors are under significant pressure to decarbonise, but in healthcare, where built assets must meet rigorous standards to assure patient wellbeing, doing so effectively may prove more challenging.

“Yet with existing estates continuing to age alongside the general population, new, high-quality building services will be required to create facilities fit for the future.

“As our report’s findings show, the fact this must be done while ensuring a traditionally-carbon-intensive sector meets net zero standards further demonstrates why quality, not cost, must be an overriding priority when specifying solutions.”

The Government has announced funding for 40 new hospitals, including the Midland Metropolitan Hospital. Image, Edward Williams Architects

The Government has announced funding for 40 new hospitals, including the Midland Metropolitan Hospital. Image, Edward Williams Architects

The report is the last in REHAU’s Designing Healthy series, exploring how building services can improve new and existing commercial building design and occupant health.

Each whitepaper looks at different sectors, including multiple-occupancy housing, hospitality and education, and best practice for contractors and specifiers looking to futureproof structures while increasing overall comfort.

There is clear desire to equip facilities with better systems and services for key utilities such as water and heating, and this new funding offers a clear opportunity to do so

As such, the fear of cost-cutting measures is emphasised in the latest release, with 76% of those surveyed suggesting that occupant wellbeing is ‘value-engineered’ out of a building’s design later in the project.

Specifically, 44% of respondents said this ‘often’ happened, with 32% saying it ‘always’ happens.

The report also states that Government-led incentives will be key to reducing carbon emissions; and it highlights the need to address issues with noise and acoustics within medical centres.

Richmond said: “These survey findings make for troubling reading, especially at a time when we are looking to ‘build back’ following the worst of the pandemic.

“When considered alongside 70% also stating they believe the average lifespan of M&E solutions in healthcare sector needs to improve, it is possible to reach very firm conclusions.

“Namely, there is clear desire to equip facilities with better systems and services for key utilities such as water and heating, and this new funding offers a clear opportunity to do so.

“The near future will likely be transformational for the UK’s health services, so now is an ideal time to reset the course and improve new and existing stock.”

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