The NHS is embarking on a transformative journey with its New Hospital Programme (NHP). Central to this initiative is the integration of digital technologies and the optimisation of estates and facilities management (EFM) to enhance patient care, operational efficiency, and sustainability. However, ensuring the seamless integration of these crucial components requires careful planning, collaboration, and investment.

A recent conversation with Rebecca Trewinnard, an experienced professional with a background in estates management and digital innovation within the NHS, sheds light on the significance of EFM in the context of the NHP and the imperative for closer collaboration between digital and EFM teams.

Elevating the Role of Estates in the NHP

EFM encompasses a broad spectrum of responsibilities, ranging from building maintenance and infrastructure upkeep to sustainability initiatives and operational efficiency. Traditionally, EFM has been perceived as the 'unsung hero' within the NHS, playing a vital but often overlooked role in supporting clinical operations.

Rebecca emphasises the critical role of estates and facilities in the NHP, highlighting its multifaceted responsibilities, including building maintenance, compliance with regulations, FM services and ensuring a conducive safe environment for patient care. However, despite its pivotal role, EFM has not always been adequately integrated into strategic discussions, particularly concerning digital advancements and major infrastructure projects like the NHP.

Forging Stronger Partnerships: Digital and Estates Collaboration

One of the key insights from Rebecca's perspective is the need for closer collaboration between digital and EFM teams to maximise the benefits of the NHP. Digital technologies, such as building management systems (BMS), artificial intelligence (AI), and IoT (Internet of Things) i.e sensors, RFID etc, offer unprecedented opportunities to enhance operational efficiency, optimise resource utilisation, and improve the patient experience. For instance, the adoption of digital solutions such as condition-based monitoring would ensure constant monitoring of equipment reducing the number of breakdowns and in turn reducing loss of service.

However, to fully leverage these technologies, EFM must be intricately involved in the planning, implementation, and maintenance phases of the NHP. Rebecca underscores the importance of estates professionals understanding digital estate concepts and technologies to effectively support the integration of digital solutions into existing infrastructure.

Moreover, Rebecca highlights the need for robust training programmes to equip estates staff with the necessary skills and knowledge to operate and maintain digital systems effectively. Initiatives such as the European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) could serve as a model for enhancing digital literacy among EFM personnel, ensuring seamless adoption and utilisation of digital solutions.

Navigating Challenges and Seizing Opportunities

While the NHP promises transformative advancements in healthcare delivery, Rebecca acknowledges the challenges associated with its implementation. Limited funding, workforce shortages, and resistance to change are among the hurdles that must be overcome to realise the full potential of the NHP.

However, Rebecca remains optimistic about the opportunities presented by the programme, particularly in terms of improving patient outcomes, enhancing operational efficiency, and encouraging innovation. By fostering collaboration between digital and estates teams, harnessing the capabilities of emerging technologies, and investing in workforce development, the NHS can navigate these challenges and usher in a new era of digitally enabled health infrastructure.

Conclusion

Through collaborative efforts, strategic investments, and a commitment to innovation, the NHP has the potential to revolutionise healthcare delivery and improve outcomes for patients across the UK. However, the integration of EFM and digital technologies emerges as a cornerstone of success. By recognising the pivotal role of EFM in supporting clinical operations and leveraging digital advancements to enhance efficiency and patient care, the NHS can realise its vision of a modern, sustainable healthcare system.

Here are Rebecca’s five key tips for NHP success, from an estate’s perspective:

1. Prioritise Collaboration Between Digital and EFM Teams: Foster closer collaboration between digital and EFM teams to maximise the benefits of the New Hospital Programme (NHP). By working together, these teams can ensure the seamless integration of digital technologies and EFM practices to enhance patient care and operational efficiency.

2. Invest in Workforce Development: Recognise the importance of workforce development in adapting to digital advancements and EFM practices. Implement robust training programmes to equip estates staff with the necessary skills and knowledge to operate and maintain digital systems effectively. Initiatives such as the European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) can be used as a model to enhance digital literacy among EFM personnel.

3. Embrace Emerging Technologies: Adopt emerging technologies such as building management systems (BMS), artificial intelligence (AI), and Internet of Things (IoT) sensors to enhance operational efficiency, optimise resource utilisation, and improve the patient experience. These technologies offer unprecedented opportunities to transform healthcare delivery and support the goals of the NHP.

4. Address Funding and Workforce Challenges: Acknowledge and address challenges related to funding constraints, workforce shortages, and resistance to change. Despite the promise of the NHP, limited resources and workforce limitations can pose significant obstacles to its successful implementation. Develop strategies to navigate these challenges and secure necessary resources for project execution.

5. Focus on Sustainability and Patient-Centric Care: Maintain a focus on sustainability and patient-centric care throughout the implementation of the NHP. Ensure that EFM practices align with sustainability initiatives and contribute to creating a conducive environment for patient care. By prioritising sustainability and patient needs, the NHS can realise its vision of a modern, sustainable healthcare system that prioritises patient outcomes and experiences.