Event Summary: The Role of Standardisation in Shaping the Future of Healthcare Infrastructure

On March 13th, Future HealthSpaces hosted an enlightening forum where healthcare leaders and innovators gathered to discuss the pivotal role of standardisation in the future of healthcare infrastructure. The event featured several distinguished speakers who shared their insights and experiences on how standardised frameworks are driving improvements in the design, operation, and delivery of healthcare spaces.

Standardisation as a Catalyst for Progress

David Edwards, Head of Supply Chain Planning & Strategy for the New Hospital Programme, opened the event with a comprehensive overview of the NHS New Hospital Programme. He highlighted the importance of standardisation and industrialisation in healthcare construction, explaining that the programme aims to deliver next-generation hospitals through a centralised approach that incorporates modern methods of construction and digital strategy.

It was also emphasised that standardisation is crucial in helping to reduce variability but also build pace; an opportunity to build capability, capacity, and confidence in the programme and the market. He elaborated that industrialisation focuses on the systematic removal of waste, increasing efficiency, and enabling the use of prefabricated components, which collectively enhance the speed and quality of healthcare delivery. An update was provided on the Programme Delivery Partner (PDP) and the Hospital 2.0 Alliance, highlighting their roles in enhancing the standardisation efforts and driving innovation within the NHS New Hospital Programme.

Exploring the Role of Digital Innovation

The second presentation was delivered by Garry Fannon, Digital Project Solution Business Partner, and Corin Godsmark, Healthcare Framework Manager, both from BAM UK&I. The role of digital innovation in healthcare infrastructure was explored in detail, discussing how advancements in digital technologies, such as digital twins, are influencing the design and operation of future healthcare spaces.

BAM's commitment to supporting clients across the entire project lifecycle was highlighted, from design to operation and maintenance. It was explained how digitalisation and standardisation can drive significant improvements in programme efficiencies while also reducing carbon emissions. Advanced digital techniques and off-site prefabrication were discussed as vital strategies to support sustainability and achieve net-zero carbon goals.

Additionally, the speakers shared insights from other sectors, such as aviation and education, where digitalisation has been successfully implemented, demonstrating its broader applicability and potential in healthcare infrastructure. They emphasised the importance of information management standards and the potential for automated checking processes. The integration of digital twins and building information modelling (BIM) was discussed as a way to enhance data collection, exchange, and analysis, ultimately leading to more efficient and sustainable healthcare facilities.

Designing for Evolving Clinical Needs

Geoff Southern, Associate Principal at Arcadis, provided an interesting perspective on designing healthcare environments that can adapt to evolving clinical needs. He explored the historical evolution of hospitals, illustrating how they have transformed from rudimentary shelters into complex, technology-driven medical centres.

A key theme of the discussion was the relationship between patient flow, optimised layouts, and adaptable spaces in improving both clinical efficiency and patient experience. Practical strategies were explored, such as minimising patient movement and waiting times, designing flexible environments that can be reconfigured for future demands, and leveraging technology to streamline operations. Sustainability was another critical aspect, with a strong emphasis on creating energy-efficient hospitals that also prioritise infection prevention and control.

Southern also examined the growing pressures on the NHS, from budget constraints to shifting policies and wider global challenges. He pointed to advanced technology integration—particularly computational design, machine learning, and artificial intelligence—as a way to enhance efficiency and precision in healthcare planning. The discussion on predictive modelling underscored the importance of accounting for uncertainties, looking beyond population growth to consider broader societal shifts, and using scenario modelling to drive more informed decision-making.

The NHS Standardisation Case Study

Adam Fahn, Assistant Director of Estates and Facilities at East London NHS Foundation Trust, offered valuable insights into the challenges of managing ward kitchens across a large and diverse healthcare estate. With 57 kitchens spread over more than 500 square miles, each presenting different maintenance and support requirements, the need for a more consistent approach was clear.

The discussion focused on his vision for standardising ward kitchens to improve efficiency, enhance hygiene, and create a pest-free environment for both patients and staff. Key elements of this approach included smart storage solutions, pest-proofing measures, easy-to-clean surfaces, and the use of durable materials—all while working within budget constraints. A pilot scheme at the Homerton site in Hackney, East London, served as a testbed for refining the standard before wider implementation across the Trust.

This case study demonstrated how a targeted standardisation strategy can streamline operations, reduce maintenance challenges, and ultimately improve the patient and staff experience.

NHP Hospital 2.0 Brainstorm Session

In addition to the presentations, the event included an engaging brainstorm session focused on the New Hospital Programme (NHP) Hospital 2.0 initiative. Attendees were invited to provide feedback on the true-to-life mock-up, which is currently in the process of constructing, along with the accompanying drawings displayed within the space. This hands-on session allowed participants to engage directly with the design concepts, offering valuable insights into the practical application of standardisation and innovation in healthcare environments.

Following the feedback session, these points were carried forward into a panel discussion with our experts, where they shared their experiences and perspectives on how these design elements could be implemented and improved. The conversation helped to further explore the challenges and opportunities in shaping the future of healthcare spaces, with a focus on real-world application and the integration of cutting-edge solutions.

Future HealthSpaces Network Overview

Harley Flett, Director of Future HealthSpaces, shared an overview of the Future HealthSpaces network, outlining its role in facilitating collaboration and knowledge exchange within the healthcare industry. Central to this vision is the Innovation Hub, positioned as a key space for networking, idea-sharing, and driving forward industry discussions.

The presentation explored how the Hub will support ongoing conversations around standardisation, digital transformation, and sustainability in healthcare environments. Looking ahead, a preview of upcoming discussion themes for the year was provided.

Conclusion

The forum provided a valuable opportunity to explore key topics in healthcare innovation, with a range of perspectives shared on the role of standardisation in improving project efficiency, driving digital transformation, and enhancing clinical functionality.

Attendees walked away with a number of interesting ideas and insights, thanks to the diverse contributions from experts like David Edwards, Garry Fannon, Corin Godsmark, Geoff Southern, and Adam Fahn. These discussions have helped set the stage for ongoing conversations as we move into Q2.

Future HealthSpaces is committed to continuing these conversations and looks forward to further exploring these important themes in the coming months.

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