MODULAR BUILD
Flexible solution to changes in demand and capacity
Alan Wilson, managing director of ModuleCo Healthcare, argues that in a post-COVID-19 world, with mounting pressure to ensure that the NHS is future-proofed to begin tackling the backlog of operations, alongside providing vital care beyond the pandemic, modular healthcare facilities’ value and benefits – and particularly their speed of build and flexibility – will see them increasingly come into their own.
The exterior and interior of a modular-built Sterile Services Department at Stoke Mandeville Hospital.
The ramifications of COVID-19 are placing bigger demands than ever before on our healthcare system, and in turn, the key workers within it. There is an overwhelming demand for facilities, with the NHS facing a triple threat of limited capacity, rising COVID-19 cases, and a backlog in operations and other procedures. As a result, there has been inevitable and understandable concern across the UK, and many NHS Trusts are hastily responding to the immense pressure and putting temporary facilities in place to cope with the potential rise in patients. While this is understandable, it could be considered a short-term view. In 2021, decision-makers within NHS Trusts are likely to face further difficulties, as the demand for treatments inevitably mounts. This is where effective, quality, modular solutions can offer a definitive difference. Offsite construction is a practical way to increase healthcare capacity across the UK during the current difficulties. It is essential, however, that NHS Trusts look to collaborate with reputable companies who can deliver on their promises and allow healthcare
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professionals to continue their vital work in fit-for-purpose buildings.
Demand is high and rising In recent months, many NHS Trusts have recognised that modular facilities are an effective way to deal with capacity issues, but the pandemic has triggered a frenzy of ‘panic buying’ of temporary, less sustainable facilities, which may serve an immediate need, but are not fit for long- term use. With the ongoing demand for healthcare set to rise during 2021 and beyond, Trusts need sustainable facilities in place to continue to respond and adapt effectively.
With this in mind, off-the-shelf, non- compliant facilities will not cut it in 2021. Instead, NHS Trusts should be encouraged to look for longer-term solutions which can make a genuine difference to hospitals for years to come. Annual winter pressures, along with the far-reaching ramifications of COVID-19, should motivate Trusts, and indeed private healthcare providers, to think ahead, and consider higher quality, sustainable modular facilities that not only satisfy
Ongoing demand for healthcare is set to rise during 2021 and beyond, so Trusts need sustainable facilities in place to continue to respond and adapt effectively
short-term requirements, but are also effective, versatile, long-term solutions.
Benefits of remote construction Restrictions in terms of social distancing and working practices have continued to change across the UK over the past year, and the construction industry has suffered as a result. Nevertheless, offsite methods can continue to operate as standard, despite the restrictions, enabling compliance with Government guidelines, while maintaining staff safety and ensuring that project timings are not vastly affected.
Modules can be checked for snagging in a controlled factory environment, meaning that the final product is installed on site quickly and efficiently, with minimal disruption. Given that NHS Trusts need to operate without interruption, and without compromising patient care under the current circumstances, a modular approach significantly reduces the time needed on site, minimising disruption to healthcare workers, and allowing them to focus on what really matters.
Improved delivery timescales The delivery of modular facilities is both quick and efficient, and they can be ‘patient ready’ in as little as eight weeks. Traditional perceptions imply that this quick turnaround would only be
April 2021 Health Estate Journal 57
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