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A day of discovery: shaping the future of smart hospitals
On a forward-thinking Friday in July, members of the IHEEM East Midlands Branch, representatives from the New Hospital Programme (NHP), and estates professionals from Queen Elizabeth Hospital King’s Lynn and James Paget University Hospitals convened at Schneider Electric’s Innovation Hub in Coventry. “This collaborative event, co-hosted by IHEEM and Schneider Electric, was more than a showcase; it was a strategic dialogue on the future of healthcare infrastructure,” reports James Chadwick, Associate Estates and Facilities Director, New QEH King’s Lynn, Chair of the East Midlands Branch, and IHEEM Executive Director.
He explained: “The event was framed around Schneider Electric’s consultancy-led approach to digital transformation in healthcare. Drawing from the UK&I Consultancy Value Proposition, the day highlighted how Schneider’s end-to-end services – from physical audits to digital twin modelling – can help NHS Trusts and healthcare providers transition from reactive maintenance to proactive, data-driven operations. “The consultancy model presented is built on four pillars: Audit, Design, Implement, and Analyse. This lifecycle approach ensures that healthcare estates are not only designed for today’s needs, but are also resilient, sustainable, and adaptable for future demands. Attendees saw how this model is already being applied in real-world settings, including the National Rehabilitation Centre, where this is enabling smarter, safer, and more efficient operations.
Smart spaces, smarter systems “A highlight of the day was the Smart Space demonstration, where Schneider’s team brought to life the concept of an intelligent hospital. Using AI, IoT, and integrated building management systems, the demo illustrated how real-time data can be used to optimise HVAC systems, lighting, energy use, and even patient comfort. This aligns with
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the broader vision of AI-enabled healthcare estates as outlined in the Coventry presentation – where predictive maintenance, digital twins, and unified operations centres, are no longer futuristic concepts, but practical tools for today’s estates teams. “The EcoStruxure Building Advisor and HVAC Optimisation modules showcased how Schneider is leveraging analytics and automation to reduce energy consumption, improve indoor air quality, and extend asset life, all while supporting compliance and sustainability goals.”
Designing for resilience and sustainability
James Chadwick continued: “The event also explored the critical role of electrification and decarbonisation in healthcare. With healthcare contributing up to 5% of global CO₂ emissions, Schneider’s consultancy services are helping NHS Trusts develop Net Zero roadmaps, assess microgrid feasibility, and implement renewable energy strategies. The Coventry session reinforced that achieving sustainability is not just about technology; it’s about strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and continuous improvement. “The Electrical Digital Twin
service, for example, offers a digitised, continuously updated model of a hospital’s power infrastructure. This enables scenario modelling, arc flash analysis, and fault level assessments, all essential tools for ensuring safety, compliance, and
operational continuity. “What made the day truly impactful was the diversity of voices in the room. By bringing together estates leaders, digital transformation experts, and NHP programme leads, the event created a space for shared learning and cross-sector collaboration. Discussions touched on everything from legacy infrastructure challenges to the integration of clinical and operational systems via platforms like the Unified Operations Centre. “This collaborative spirit is essential as the NHS embarks on one of its most ambitious infrastructure programmes in decades. As highlighted in the QEH Coventry case study, early engagement, co-design with clinical users, and supplier collaboration, are key to delivering hospitals that are not only new, but truly future-ready.
Next steps: continuing the conversation
“In recognition of the value of ongoing engagement,” James Chadwick explained, “Schneider Electric has committed to hosting a series of follow-up webinars. These sessions will focus on healthcare innovation, digital transformation, and future technologies at the point of care – ensuring that the momentum from the Coventry event continues to build across the sector. “The IHEEM East Midlands Branch extends its sincere thanks to Schneider Electric for its generous hospitality, and to all participants for their contributions. Events like this are vital in
shaping the future of healthcare estates, and this one has set a high benchmark for what’s possible when innovation meets collaboration.
On reflection “The visit to Schneider Electric’s Innovation Hub in Coventry was a powerful reminder of what’s possible when industry expertise and healthcare ambition come together,” James Chadwick added. “As we face the dual challenge of modernising NHS infrastructure and meeting sustainability targets, events like this are essential. They not only showcase the technologies that can transform our estates, but also foster the collaboration needed to make that transformation real. “Schneider’s commitment to innovation, particularly in areas like AI-driven building management, digital twin modelling, and decarbonisation strategies, aligns closely with the goals of the New Hospital Programme and the wider NHS estate, although there is further work to be had to get it to where we need to be. I’m especially encouraged by their offer to continue the conversation through follow-up webinars focused on healthcare innovation and point-of-care technologies. “This is more than a partnership – it’s a shared journey toward smarter, safer, and more sustainable hospitals, which will be the theme going forward with other providers and suppliers too. IHEEM is proud to support and facilitate these vital conversations across our branches and networks.”
September 2025 Health Estate Journal 11
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