sponsored by HEALTH SECTOR NEWS
Future HealthSpaces launch Innovation Hub
A new facility aimed at supporting innovation in healthcare design has opened in London. The Future HealthSpaces Innovation Hub provides a dedicated environment for testing and developing ideas that could shape the next generation of NHS facilities. The Hub centres on a full-scale
prototype of a single patient bedroom with ensuite, allowing designers, engineers, contractors, and suppliers to trial layouts, fixtures, and finishes in a real-world setting. It has been established to explore how design decisions affect both patient experience and operational efficiency, and to encourage collaboration across the healthcare construction sector. The initiative forms part of the wider work of Future HealthSpaces, an organisation that brings together NHS Trusts, clinicians, designers, and industry partners to examine current challenges in healthcare environments. Its focus includes infection prevention, digital integration, carbon reduction,
Hygiene- led design at Eastbourne Hospital
Fitted-furniture fabricator Medspace was commissioned by IHP to design and install workstations and a reception desk at Eastbourne Hospital’s new Elective Care Hub. For the project team, led by
and standardisation within the built environment. While independent in scope, the Innovation Hub has been developed in dialogue with the New Hospital Programme and aims to complement national design frameworks by providing practical evidence from in-use testing. The project has been realised
through collaboration with a range of industry contributors, including
First phase of Warwick Hospital redevelopment completed
Warwick Hospital’s new main entrance has been fully redeveloped to create a welcoming, modern environment and improve food and retail offerings for patients, visitors, and staff. The redesigned ground floor now features a multi-functional space, including the main reception, outpatient pharmacy, patient advice and liaison service (PALS), a ‘Changing Places’
facility, and a new charity hub. The project forms part of a
larger redevelopment programme led by construction consultancy Pulse Consult. Appointed through the South Warwickshire University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (SWFT) Framework to provide project management services, the firm has worked closely with SWFT and developer Noviniti to ensure seamless delivery. Adrian Thomas, associate director at Pulse Consult, said: “Reaching
this milestone is a testament to the dedication and expertise of everyone involved. We’re proud to have supported our client in bringing this transformational space to life, providing modern, accessible amenities for patients, visitors, and staff.” The upper floors of the new building, due to open in Winter 2026/27, will house two new hospital wards with treatment rooms, waiting areas, and clinic spaces. The second phase of the Trust’s
redevelopment plans will then begin focusing on expanding clinical capacity, enhancing patient experience and supporting same-day recovery from surgical procedures. Sophie Gilkes, chief strategy officer at SWFT, said: “Our trust is committed to transforming the Warwick Hospital estate into a modern, high-quality healthcare environment that delivers sustainable, accessible, and patient-centred care.”
24 Health Estate Journal January 2026
Hygenius, KWC DVS, Ocura, Ascom, Rockfon, Mansfield Pollard, Tarkett, Onvo Modular, Yewdale, Altro, Airwave Healthcare, Thorlux Lighting, Specialist Door Solutions, and Innova Care Concepts. Future HealthSpaces said the Hub is intended to act as a shared platform for research, demonstration, and discussion – helping inform the evolution of safe, sustainable, and effective healthcare spaces.
head designer Carl Lindsey, working closely with architects Gilling Dod, the pieces had to be structurally robust and meet the stringent requirements and regulations associated with modern healthcare facilities. All finishes specified needed to be impact-resistant and easy-to- clean, maintaining strict hygiene standards. The company explained that this meant careful consideration when it came to choosing surfaces, so they approached long-time timber, panels & décors distribution partner James Latham for advice.
Gilling Dod Architects and Medspace specified HIMACS solid surface for the project, citing its combination of durability, hygiene, and design flexibility. While the material’s high performance and finish made it suitable for healthcare environments, its adaptability also supported the design team’s aesthetic objectives. Two-tier workstations were developed to maximise available space while maintaining easy-to- clean surfaces. According to the design team,
the aim was to move away from the typically plain appearance of healthcare reception spaces, instead creating an environment that feels calm and welcoming for both patients and staff.
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