offsite construction
Replacement can lead to delays
through the need to wait for appropriate replacement parts or products to arrive on site. A repair specialist, on the other hand, can be on site and conducting multiple repairs at comparatively short notice, with the added benefit of minimal disruption to wider goings-on. The trend towards modular construction is set to continue apace, and it’s something that repair is set to play an ever-growing role in supporting. In healthcare design, in particular,
there’s a growing trend towards self- contained, single patient bed spaces with associated en-suite bathrooms – a design approach that’s particularly suited to modular construction. On paper, at least, it would seem that multiple tradespeople are needed to maintain or repair damage to this type of module – given that they’re bedrooms and bathrooms combined. This view has led to a culture where, in the case of replacement over repair, it’s often seen as easier and cheaper to simply choose to write an item off, rip it out and arrange for a replacement, without thinking about the wider consequences of what that decision entails. However, repair specialists are usually trained in multiple disciplines and are able to make repairs to a wide variety of substrates and surface types.
Reducing waste This means there’s no need to call in plumbers to replace damaged enamel, tilers to replace damaged surrounds, or plasterers for damaged walls, ceilings and so on. It’s often far more economical to call in one specialist who can address a multitude of issues.
Another impact is landfill savings. NHS trusts, in particular, need to be wary of their environmental footprint, and opting to replace a damaged item rather than repair it inevitably sees it end up in landfill.
Given the size of the NHS, it’s not
difficult to appreciate the scale of the problem should damaged items simply head to the tip in every instance. By embracing a combination of modular and repair over replacement, healthcare contractors will be taking key steps towards a more-sustainable way of working.
www.plastic-surgeon.co.uk healthcaredm.co.uk 37
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