TECHNOLOGY
gap between perception and reality in space utilisation. But real change happens when estates teams and frontline staff work together to interpret the data and act on it.
By combining objective evidence with operational
knowledge, organisations can develop practical solutions that improve both efficiency and working environments.
Case study: Livewell Southwest A recent project with Livewell Southwest, a community healthcare provider in Devon, demonstrates the impact of data-led estate planning. The organisation faced a major challenge when its
Environmental sensor data identifies areas where CO2
levels are beyond safe norms.
n Manual utilisation surveys Traditional observational studies using manual recording can still provide useful snapshot insights. However, they are labour intensive and rarely capture long-term patterns of behaviour.
n Passive infrared (PiR) ‘desk’ sensors Widely deployed in corporate office environments, purpose-built PiR sensors provide precise data about work patters down to desk or individual meeting room seat level. Relatively inexpensive and easy to install, they use discrete Wi-Fi to connect with number-crunching software so there is no requirement to integrate with existing IT systems.
n Environmental monitoring Environmental sensors can monitor conditions such as temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide levels, and air quality. When combined with occupancy data, these insights can help estates teams understand how building systems perform under real operating conditions. This can support improved ventilation, better comfort levels, and more efficient energy management.
Integrating data for better decisions No single technology provides a complete picture of estate utilisation. The most effective strategies combine multiple data sources. Occupancy sensors can provide detailed room-level insights. Environmental sensors show how building systems respond to occupancy. Access control systems and booking platforms provide additional operational context. By integrating these datasets, organisations can compare planned use with actual behaviour. This evidence allows estates teams to identify inefficiencies, optimise layouts, and make more informed strategic decisions. Data enables change, but people drive it. While
technology provides valuable insights, meaningful estate transformation depends on collaboration between estates teams, operational leaders, and frontline staff. Ultimately, data can reveal patterns, but staff experience helps explain them. Technology bridges the
64 Health Estate Journal June 2026
The study generated detailed data on occupancy patterns and utilisation levels. The data revealed that, across the estate, utilisation levels averaged around 40 per cent, significantly below target levels. It also highlighted: n Significant variation in usage across the week. n Peak occupancy midweek. n Low utilisation on Mondays and Fridays. n Mismatches between room bookings and actual use.
Interactive heatmaps allowed teams to visualise these patterns clearly. The findings allowed Livewell Southwest to rethink how its estate was organised. Changes included: n Improving clinic scheduling processes. n Integrating booking systems with appointment scheduling.
n Relocating teams into more appropriate buildings.
The result was increased clinical capacity and better collaboration between teams – without the need for a new building.
Case study: Lewisham Children’s Hospital Utilisation monitoring can also play a vital role in improving patient safety and building security. Lewisham Children’s Hospital faced a unique challenge: balancing public access with the need to create calm, secure environments for young patients and their families. With concerns around unauthorised access and a complex building layout, the hospital sought data-led insight to inform better space planning. The sensitive hospital setting demanded a non-intrusive,
highly accurate solution. We deployed our purpose- built, ultra-precise PiR sensors across the site to conduct a comprehensive 12-week occupancy survey. Across the main hospital building’s six floors, a total of 512 sensors were installed for the three-month period of the survey. These ran 24/7, collecting reams of data which revealed key patterns of movement, including how routes were being used through the building, which stairwells were
must be used carefully in healthcare environments and to ensure GDPR compliance.
proposed Children, Young People and Family Hub reached Outline Business Case stage but proved unaffordable to progress further. Services remained in unsuitable buildings, while some teams lacked permanent workspaces. Working together, consultants Baxendale and Abintra deployed occupancy sensors across several buildings for a three-month study. Sensors were installed in: n Clinical spaces. n Office areas. n Meeting rooms. n Training spaces.
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