Healthcare delivery
reduced, allowing nearby hospitals to function as normal during the process rather than contributing to further hold-ups for patients. The surgical and diagnostic units meet the same performance standards as permanent buildings and are fitted with the best possible technology. They are also an environmentally friendly and low-carbon solution. Units have a 25-year guarantee but can last
up to 60 years, offering increased capacity for decades. These modular solutions can coexist beside existing hospitals or be used by multiple hospitals to relieve waiting list pressures with increased capacity. Modular units already provide favourable
outcomes and present a strategic approach that extends beyond traditional healthcare settings. Trusts can choose to locate their extra capacity off-site in areas such as community hubs. Whether it is at a leisure centre, car park, or sports stadium, providers can offer a range of options to maximise accessibility and convenience for patients, while alleviating strain on the surrounding NHS infrastructure. This approach facilitates seamless integration into the community, leveraging existing ties and capitalising on high-capacity locations. The balance between internal and external modular structures helps optimise available space, while maintaining functional harmony with the chosen locations. Awareness of ever- evolving healthcare demands allows Trusts and providers to be flexible in their approach, and together, they can develop solutions to any challenge. Modular units have the potential to positively impact local areas by relieving pressure on the surrounding Trusts, providing accessible diagnostic services, and fostering collaborative healthcare environments. Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation
Trust faced increasing pressure, with high demand and growing waiting lists for its endoscopy services. The Trust needed to see around 6,900 patients within 12-14 months to hit its elective care targets. NHS provider, Medinet, was already providing insourced endoscopy at Blackpool Victoria Hospital and worked alongside the team at Blackpool to co-create an innovative solution to increase its clinical capacity. A flexible, modular healthcare unit was
developed to deliver endoscopy services in the local community. The unit was custom-made off-site and installed at Stanley Park Leisure Centre in November 2022. Designed to JAG guidelines for optimal patient flow, patients and staff consistently give excellent feedback about the design, equipment, high-quality finishes, and spacious feel. Within the first six months, 2,660 patients were seen, and the waiting list dropped by 60% compared to December 2022. Feedback
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from patients was also positive and highlighted the “calm environment”.
The future of modular units within the NHS Despite the immense pressures faced by our health service, there are reasons to look positively into the future. The NHS is adapting with new technologies including AI diagnostics, telemedicine, and virtual wards, and modular units. Modular units offer a practical solution to the capacity challenges currently faced by diagnostic centres, theatres, and post-operative facilities in Trusts all over the UK. The boost in funding is a cause for optimism going forward, and multiple frameworks are available to NHS Trusts to source modular units. These frameworks include the NHS Increasing Capacity Framework established in 2021, the NHS England Community Diagnostic Centres Framework, and the Modular Buildings Framework Agreement, which has been running since July 2021, with a boost to the framework poised for 2025. These frameworks offer Trusts, across the UK, routes to develop modular units, and promise significant savings, faster delivery compared to on-site construction, and less disruption, contributing to strategies on modern construction and Net Zero goals. In summary, the future of modular units in the NHS is anchored in their ability to provide quick, cost-effective, and flexible solutions to the pressing challenges of healthcare infrastructure. With the support of structured frameworks and the demonstrated success of projects all over the UK, modular construction is poised to play a crucial role in shaping the future of the NHS.
References 1. BMA:
https://www.bma.org.uk/advice- and-support/nhs-delivery-and-workforce/ pressures/nhs-backlog-data-analysis
2. Premier Modular: https://www.
premiermodular.co.uk/uks-first-modular-barn- surgical-theatre/
3. Portakabin:
https://www.portakabin.com/ gb-en/news-and-events/news/portakabin- delivers-its-first-modular-mental-health- facility-in-the-north-east/
4. Medtronic:
https://www.medtronic.com/ covidien/en-gb/products/gastrointestinal- artificial-intelligence/gi-genius-intelligent-
endoscopy.html
5. Medinet:
https://www.ukmedinet.com/ modular-units/
About the author CSJ
Helen Marshall holds a Biomedical Sciences doctorate from the University of Edinburgh and is currently Senior Medical Writer at Mole Digital. Helen has experience teaching neuroanatomy at the University of Edinburgh Medical School and has contributed to biomedical research using stem cell-derived organoid models and advanced neuroimaging. Helen is particularly interested in biomedical technology and artificial intelligence as tools to enhance healthcare services in the UK. She currently combines her research and teaching background to deliver educational resources, medical device communications, and articles.
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