Healthcare
Those procuring, designing, constructing and managing NHS facilities face a range of challenges.
These include changing models of care, a shift in focus from healthcare buildings to care service provision, changes in funding routes and legislation (relating to disabled discrimination, health and safety and building regulations, etc) and increasing expectations from an aging population.
In addition there are Department of Health targets for resource use, emissions and BREEAM compliance, the need to keep up with technology and good practice, and an already complex NHS procurement system.
Our dedicated team of experts provide information and advice to help healthcare project procurement teams meet these challenges and deliver better, new and refurbished buildings - particularly in respect of sustainability and best value. For example we can help with:
Technical expertise - on all aspects of building design and best practice, and on what is achievable and how it should be done.
NHS sustainability targets - reducingcarbon emissions through energy efficiency and low carbon energy strategies, and meeting BREEAM ‘Excellent' requirements for new buildings and ‘Very Good' for refurbishments
Fire safety - advice on fire safety design, undertaking fire risk assessments and providing fire risk solutions.
Product and system performance - evaluating and certifying product and system suitability, safety and on-site performance.
Cutting-edge knowledge - gained from our research projects (and links with other UK research and academic organisations) and BRE's Innovation Park. The Park is a test bed for low carbon buildings and includes a community health centre that demonstrates communications technology for healthcare and assisted living provision.
Post occupancy reviews -identifying issues to be addressed, and lessons learnt for improving future designs.
Remedial investigations - identifying and solving problems, and providing expert witness services.
Training courses - include staff energy awareness, BREEAM Healthcare assessor and BREEAM Accredited Professional, CRC, fire safety assessment, design charrettes and building management.
