As winter approaches, our National Health Service (NHS) faces one of its most challenging seasons ahead. Patient waiting lists are at an unprecedented high, with over 7.8 million people in England alone waiting for routine treatments as of September 2024, and winter will also bring an increase in seasonal illness; increasing the demand for urgent healthcare services. The need for new healthcare spaces that can respond dynamically to seasonal pressures and fluctuating patient needs has never been more prominent
For many decades, traditional construction has missed the mark for healthcare infrastructure delivery, struggling to keep pace with the ever-increasing demand. Common perceptions of the construction industry, that is lacking in innovation, fragmented and stuck in the past, can seem unfair. In this context, offsite construction methods can offer a viable path forward, providing energy-efficient, high-quality facilities with adaptable layouts that can respond to seasonal pressures on the NHS.
Quantifying the NHS Winter Pressure
Winter brings significant strain to the NHS. In 2023-24, over 14.2 million emergency department visits were recorded between December and February, a 10% rise compared to the yearly average. Delayed discharges — patients unable to leave hospital due to a lack of appropriate post-hospital care or facilities — compounded the crisis. In January 2024 alone, more than 52,000 hospital beds were occupied daily by patients medically fit for discharge, representing a severe bottleneck in the system.
The consequences of these delays ripple throughout the NHS. Ambulance response times for life-threatening emergencies averaged over 9 minutes in some areas last winter, well above the target of 7 minutes. Similarly, the percentage of patients seen within 4 hours in A&E departments fell below 70%, far from the target of 95%. The result? Thousands of patients experience delays that can severely impact their health outcomes.
Addressing urgent needs through offsite construction at pace and scale
In recent years, the landscape of healthcare construction has seen a significant transformation, marked by an increasing acceptance of offsite solutions. A noteworthy recent survey conducted by the British Medical Journal sheds light on this trend, revealing that over 60% of respondents recognise the substantial potential of innovative offsite structures to significantly reduce waiting times for facility availability. Traditional builds often require 18-24 months, while offsite facilities can be operational in under 6 months, enabling quicker responses to healthcare demands. With increasing demand for healthcare spaces, clinicians see modular construction not merely as a trend, but as a vital component in providing exceptional patient care and staff experience.
The benefits of utilising Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) extend beyond just speed. Bringing enormous advantages in terms of cost, quality, efficiency and sustainability – all of which are critical factors for the healthcare sector – healthcare providers can explore viable options for both short-term and long-term needs through an offsite construction approach.
Furthermore, offsite construction minimises disruption on site, posing less nuisance to healthcare operations, the local community and surrounding areas. With around 90% of facility manufacture taking place offsite, an offsite approach allows for significantly reduced on site logistics, labour and vehicle movements. This streamlined process not only accelerates project timelines but also decreases overall costs, enabling healthcare providers to allocate their resources more effectively.
A Path Forward for the NHS
As the NHS grapples with mounting pressures, integrating offsite construction into its infrastructure strategy is essential. This approach not only addresses immediate capacity issues but also represents a long-term investment in resilience. By embracing offsite solutions, the NHS can better manage seasonal fluctuations, reduce patient waiting times, and improve overall healthcare delivery.
In conclusion, the unprecedented demands faced by the NHS calls for an urgent re-evaluation of traditional healthcare infrastructure strategies. Offsite construction not only promises to provide immediate solutions to pressing facility needs but also contributes to a more sustainable and efficient healthcare system. As disruptions in healthcare delivery can have profound effects on patient outcomes, the appeal of modular solutions grows ever stronger. By embracing these advancements, the healthcare industry not only addresses immediate needs, but also commits to a future characterised by resilience and sustainability.