What is healthcare architecture?
NHS architecture refers to the design and planning of healthcare facilities within the NHS. It encapsulates the process of creating architectural solutions that support the delivery of high-quality healthcare services while considering factors unique to the healthcare sector such as operational efficiencies, patient experience, staff experience, infection prevention and control, patient flow and sustainability.
In any new hospital or healthcare build, underpinning all healthcare architecture is the overarching need to create a healing environment – including reducing patient stays and infection rates, as well as improving staff welfare.
Designing hospital and healthcare spaces
Health Building Notes (HBN) and Health Technical Memoranda Documents are technical standards and guidance, giving design guidance for healthcare buildings, for the use by healthcare architects and healthcare planners. Health building notes give best practice guidance on the design and planning of new healthcare buildings and on the adaptation or extension of existing facilities. They provide information to support the briefing and design processes for individual projects in the NHS building programme. Read more about NHS estates technical guidance.
Infrastructure management and planning
Infrastructure management is the comprehensive process of overseeing and maintaining the physical infrastructure of an organisation. In the context of NHS architecture, infrastructure management plays a critical role in strategically managing, maintaining, and developing healthcare facilities within an NHS Trust estate.
A key aspect of infrastructure management includes the regular maintenance of healthcare facilities to ensure their proper functioning and longevity, as well as encompassing and identifying opportunities for upgrades and renovations to keep pace with evolving healthcare needs of the community and advancements in medical and digital technologies.
At its core it ensures hospital estates meet the evolving healthcare demands of the local population. This may involve modernising outdated systems, expanding or reconfiguring spaces within the hospital or the wider Trust estate, integrating new technologies, and the continuous improvement of accessibility for patients and staff.
Through effective infrastructure planning, the NHS can ensure that its healthcare facilities are optimally maintained and optimised to provide high-quality care now and into the future.
Health Spaces understands the importance of delivering excellent care in the most appropriate locations, and healthcare planners will work closely with you to design and deliver the healthcare infrastructure required to meet the individual needs of your Trust.
Well-maintained infrastructure means solutions to optimise healthcare facilities now and for the future.
Strategic health planning
Strategic planning is a crucial aspect of NHS architecture that involves long-term decision-making to address the future requirements of an NHS Trust. It takes into account critical factors to ensure that healthcare infrastructure is aligned with the evolving healthcare landscape and the needs of the population.
NHS strategic planning covers a number of different disciplines. At Health Spaces we will work closely with your stakeholders to ensure the strategic advisory planning encompasses decisions around each of the following workflows:
Population and demographics
As part of our strategic advisory planning phases we consider the demographic trends and population projections in the region or locality served by the NHS Trust. Factors such as population growth, health economics, ageing demographics, and changes in healthcare demand patterns are analysed. This information helps to build a detailed picture in determining the necessary infrastructure and healthcare services needed to accommodate the evolving needs of the community served by the hospital estate.
Healthcare service delivery models
Strategic planning examines the changing picture of healthcare service delivery. It takes into account advancements in medical technologies, evolving treatment modalities, and developments in patient-centred care such as integrated diagnostic appointments and virtual technology.
This analysis helps in designing and delivering healthcare facilities that support new models of care delivery, such as integrated care and community-based care. Strategic planning also anticipates future healthcare trends and challenges. It considers factors like the prevalence of specific diseases, emerging health issues, and the impact of public health policies. By understanding these trends, healthcare consultants are able to proactively plan for the right infrastructure needed to address the specific and future healthcare needs of an individual NHS Trust.
Demand and capacity analysis
By assessing the capacity of existing healthcare facilities and analysing the demand for these services, gaps or areas of underutilisation can be identified, determining if additional facilities or adjustments are necessary. Demand and capacity modelling ensures healthcare infrastructure is optimally utilised and can deliver tangible service improvements.
Partnerships and collaborations
Early collaboration with Trust stakeholders is essential to the planning of NHS architecture. Discussions between groups including healthcare providers, Local Authorities, and community organisations need to happen, as well as at Trust, system, regional and national levels. Clinical workshops and stakeholder interviews form part of this workflow, ensuring staff, patients, visitors and the wider community are involved in the strategic and design programmes.
This collaborative approach helps to identify synergies, sharing resources, and develops joint-use facilities. By fostering partnerships between stakeholders, this approach ensures NHS Trusts can leverage expertise and resources to create a comprehensive and coordinated healthcare system.
Financial sustainability
Strategic planning considers the financial aspects of estate planning, including budget constraints, funding sources, and cost-effectiveness. It ensures that infrastructure development aligns with available financial resources and maximises value for money.
Patient-centred design
Patient-centred design is a core principle of NHS architecture. It focuses on creating environments that prioritise the patient’s experience including patient comfort, well-being, and privacy. This can include designing welcoming reception areas, comfortable waiting rooms, and patient rooms that promote healing and recovery.
Patient-centred design incorporates elements such as natural light, soothing colours, and access to nature to create a calming and supportive environment for patients and their families.
Healthcare facilities can often be complex and overwhelming for patients. Patient-centred design focuses on creating clear wayfinding systems that help patients easily navigate the facility. Clear signage, intuitive layouts, and well-defined pathways help patients find their way without confusion or stress, enhancing their overall experience.
Patient-centred design also ensures that healthcare facilities are accessible to all individuals, regardless of their physical abilities. It involves incorporating design principles that make spaces usable and comfortable for patients with diverse needs. This includes providing ramps, elevators, accessible parking, and facilities designed for individuals with mobility challenges. Inclusive design also considers the needs of patients with sensory impairments or cognitive disabilities.
Estate optimisation
To make the most of available resources, estate optimisation is a key consideration in healthcare design. NHS architecture involves analysing the utilisation of existing assets, optimising space allocation, and ensuring facilities are fit for purpose.
Health Spaces works closely with healthcare providers to assess their current estate, identify underutilised spaces, and propose solutions for repurposing or renovating existing buildings to maximise efficiency and functionality of the NHS estate.
Digital enabled hospitals
Health Spaces recognises the importance of technology in healthcare spaces and provides innovative solutions that integrate the latest advancements into healthcare design, promoting efficient and patient-centred care, as well as supporting the creation of a therapeutic environment for patients and staff.
Sustainability
Sustainability has become a key focus in NHS architecture. Reducing the environmental impact, improving energy efficiency, and implementing renewable energy sources are crucial considerations. Health Spaces places a strong emphasis on sustainability, working with healthcare organisations to create eco-friendly healthcare facilities that align with their environmental goals and NHS Green Plan. By utilising sustainable materials, incorporating energy-efficient systems, and adopting green building practices, such as MMC, Health Spaces contributes to a greener healthcare sector.
NHS architecture is a complex and dynamic process that shapes the future of healthcare infrastructure. By effectively managing infrastructure, embracing technology, optimising resources and promoting sustainability, the NHS can create a healthcare environment that meets the needs of patients and healthcare providers.
Through collaboration and forward-thinking approaches, offering innovative solutions and expertise, we work in partnership with our NHS clients to transform the healthcare landscape, enhancing the quality, efficiency, and sustainability of healthcare facilities.
