HEALTHCARE FURNITURE
Infection control in community healthcare
The NHS is transforming how it delivers healthcare across the UK, with ambitious plans to establish a nationwide network of community health centres – bringing essential medical services closer to local communities. These community health hubs will provide a range of primary care services under one roof – from GP consultations to diagnostic testing and mental health support. Tony Huggins, managing director at David Bailey Furniture Systems, examines fitted furniture’s role in maintaining infection control in such settings, as well as creating an efficient, conducive, and appealing patient and staff environment.
The initiative to establish more essential medical services close to local communities, enhancing accessibility and reducing the burden on hospitals is certainly a positive step towards a more integrated healthcare system. One of the key challenges that needs to be addressed is infection control. Healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs) remain a significant concern in all medical settings, affecting approximately 300,000 patients annually in the UK. These infections are known to prolong hospital stays, and require additional treatments, and in some cases can have severe, life-threatening consequences. As community health centres become an integral part
of the NHS, ensuring that they adhere to the highest standards of hygiene and infection prevention will thus be critical. One often-overlooked yet fundamental aspect of this strategy is the role of fitted furniture in infection control. Poorly designed or inadequately maintained furniture can act as a reservoir for bacteria, creating an environment where infections can be easily spread. As a supplier of fitted furniture to the NHS for more than
40 years, we understand the importance of integrating infection-resistant materials and designs into healthcare environments. Fitted furniture always needs to be specifically designed to enhance hygiene, prevent bacterial growth, and support NHS infection control protocols – and this equally applies to community health centres. The NHS’s vision for such centres aligns with a broader
strategy to modernise the healthcare system, and improve patient outcomes. By centralising various medical services within a single facility, these centres aim to provide more efficient and convenient care. Patients who previously had to visit multiple locations for different treatments will now have access to a wide range of services within their local communities, reducing travel times, and improving healthcare equity. The need for such centres has never been more important.
Overcrowded hospitals, increasing patient numbers, and long waiting times, have put immense pressure on the NHS. Community health hubs serve as an essential solution by redirecting non-urgent cases away from hospital Emergency Departments, freeing up critical resources for those in need of immediate, acute care. Several community health centres have already been
established across the UK, serving as prototypes for the national initiative.
n Camberwell Green Community Health Centre, London
Opened in 2021, the Camberwell Green Community Health Centre is a flagship example of modern, patient-
focused healthcare design. This state-of-the-art facility provides a range of essential medical services, including GP consultations, community nursing, and minor surgical procedures. Designed with infection control and patient comfort in mind, the centre has set a benchmark for cleanliness and efficiency. By offering comprehensive care in a community setting, it reduces the strain on larger hospitals, while ensuring that patients receive timely medical attention closer to home.
n Birmingham Health and Wellbeing Centre Launched in 2022, the Birmingham Health and Wellbeing Centre is a pioneering healthcare facility that integrates both physical and mental health services under one roof. With a strong emphasis on holistic patient care, this centre bridges the gap between traditional healthcare and community-based support systems. By addressing mental health concerns alongside physical ailments, it has significantly reduced unnecessary hospital admissions, ensuring that patients receive the right care at the right time. The centre’s design prioritises infection control, accessibility, and a welcoming atmosphere, making it a model for future community health initiatives.
n Bradford Community Diagnostic Centre Since early 2023, the Bradford Community Diagnostic Centre has been revolutionising access to medical diagnostics. Equipped with advanced imaging technology including MRI scanners and blood testing facilities, the centre provides crucial diagnostic services closer to patients’ homes. This facility plays a key role in early
October 2025 Health Estate Journal 43
A safeguarded base and wall Healthline unit combination.
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