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Recently, the UK government's strategy for healthcare estate development has undergone a notable shift. Instead of placing primary emphasis on new construction, the focus has shifted towards refurbishment-based projects. This approach centres on upgrading and optimising existing facilities to maintain a safe and conducive environment for patients to heal by keeping pace with the evolving technologies, patients’ needs and regulatory standards.
However, healthcare facility refurbishment projects come with their fair share of challenges, which we will explore in detail below.
Common Challenges In Healthcare Facilities Refurbishment
A refurbishment project can transform a healthcare facility (especially mental healthcare) to a more modern and safer environment that meet the needs of patients and medical staff. Here are three common challenges you may face working on refurbishment projects in healthcare settings:
Limited Budget For the Facility
Healthcare facilities refurbishments often have a lower budget than new build projects. Working within constrained financial resources may pose challenges in executing the project effectively, hinder the implementation of necessary upgrades and improvements, and potentially compromise the safety and quality of life of patients.
To overcome this, it becomes crucial to find a balance between different priorities and make prudent decisions throughout the process. A solution is to consider suitable heating options such as radiators, as opposed to the more expensive underfloor heating or ceiling heating panels.
Opting for high-quality products with robust designs, like those offered in the DeepClean and DeepClean Extra range, can prove to be a wise investment. Their longer product lifespan and minimal maintenance requirements can be translated to substantial savings that would otherwise be spent on frequent replacements or repairs in the long run.
Consulting relevant experts during the planning phase is another crucial step. Their insights can help determine the most effective and efficient solutions within the project's budget constraints, ensuring that the desired outcomes are achieved while making the most out of the available investments.
Bespoke Products to Work Around Existing Features
Healthcare facilities often have unique layouts and features that require special consideration and bespoke solutions during refurbishment projects. Unlike new construction, where starting from scratch is an option, refurbishments must work around existing buildings and infrastructure.
A notable aspect that exemplifies this need is heating systems. Underfloor heating, while efficient, comes with floor height limitations, making it unsuitable for certain areas. Similarly, ceiling heating panels may not be the best fit for high-ceiling rooms. These space and design constraints call for careful evaluation when determining the most appropriate design options for the project.
In such cases, a one-size-fits-all approach proves inadequate. So, plan in advance and look at your design considerations when selecting products to fit existing spaces. Engaging with experts becomes crucial at this stage to explore all available options, such as the anti-ligature DeepClean range with bespoke sizing and colour available, and make informed decisions that align with the project's requirements and the well-being of service users. Consulting with professionals in the field can provide valuable insights and recommendations that address all your unique challenges.
Balancing Different Priorities
healthcare facilities refurbishment projects require adept decision-making and the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively. To achieve successful refurbishment while ensuring that the facility can continue providing uninterrupted care to patients, you will need to reach a balance among these factors:
- Safety: Ensuring that safety standards are met or improved to provide a better healing space for service users after the refurbishment process
- Energy Efficiency: Refurbishment projects present an opportunity to implement energy-efficient systems and technologies to optimise the facility's performance without incurring substantial costs.
- Construction Scale and Complexity: Healthcare facilities are typically operational round-the-clock, making refurbishment particularly challenging. Minimising disruptions during installation while ensuring that medical services continue smoothly is crucial.
- Well-being of Service Users: Healthcare facilities refurbishment projects should prioritise creating a healing environment that supports patients' recovery and not provoke their stress or anxiety.
What To Expect On A Healthcare Facilities Refurbishment?
As refurbishment projects become increasingly prevalent in the UK's healthcare facilities, it is crucial not to overlook the common challenges that come with them. Limited budgets pose a significant hurdle, requiring thoughtful resource management and reliable heating solutions. Given the unique layouts and features of healthcare facilities, there’s a great chance that you’ll need a bespoke solution tailored to each project due to their unique layouts and features. Balancing the diverse elements such as cost, architectural restrictions and the well being of service users may also be a lot more intricate than in new build constructions.
Support Your Mental Healthcare Facilities Refurbishment Projects With DeepClean Extra
DeepClean Extra is a specialist range of heating solutions designed and engineered to minimise the risk of self-harm and for installation in secure environments, such as mental health facilities, prisons, SEN Schools, custody and remand units.
Removing potential tamper opportunities and ligature points in locations such as these, are key considerations. The anti-ligature design incorporates IP3X-rated grilles tested by a UKAS-accredited laboratory and certified to protect against the ingress of objects greater than 2.5mm in diameter. Anti-ligature TRV kits are also available to allow service users to take control of their heating to increase comfort levels.
Get in touch today and book a free consultation with one of our heating experts to discuss anti-ligature heating solutions for your facilities.
