Healthcare technology is advancing rapidly, allowing hospitals to offer a wide range of diagnostics and treatments. However, installing this equipment can be a complex process that requires expert input.
At Roberts Limbrick, our dedicated team of healthcare architects has a long history of delivering complex, clinical spaces including CTs, MRI, gamma camera, X-Ray, dental, cath lab, ultrasound, interventional radiology, and theatres.
Director Paul Gooderson gives his five steps for a successful project.
We begin by understanding room use and the procedures to be undertaken. No two projects are the same, so we consult with a wide range of staff and room users before beginning the design. Injectors, laser alignment and interventional procedure equipment will all strongly influence room design and specification.
Specialist equipment suppliers have extensive knowledge and experience, so we work closely with them from the very beginning of each project. Siemens, Varian, Canon, Philips, G.E., Samsung, and others will all supply early feasibility layouts to inform the design and process. It’s important to invest in these relationships and include them as part of the team.
I don’t think I’ve ever worked on a healthcare project where space isn’t a challenge, but this can inspire innovative solutions. Rooms don’t have to be rectangular, so consider angular formats. Shared control and tech rooms can achieve well-functioning rooms within an area which, at first glance, wouldn’t seem possible.
Fire, medical gases, infection control, medical physics and radiation protection officers will assist in designing specialist rooms. Whether it be lead protection for CT and X-Ray or Faraday cages for MRI, these professionals will have a keen interest and their sign-off will be required. Allow time in your procurement programme to achieve this.
Any healthcare professional knows that you always need to be prepared for change. Procurement timescales can be lengthy, and equipment models and operational procedures are constantly being updated. A successful project will have flexibility designed in, so be alert and ready to adapt.
Roberts Limbrick is currently working on a range of projects, including the unique Major Trauma and Vascular Hybrid Theatres in Cardiff which will be the first of its kind in the UK. To find out more, email mail@robertslimbrick.com or call 03333 405 500.
