Princess Royal Hospital Urology Centre | Haywards heath |
CLIENT Willmott Dixon Interiors
LOCATION Princess Royal Hospital, Haywards Heath, BR6 8ND
DURATION 2021-2023
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There was an opportunity to create a One-Stop Urology Investigation Unit at the University Hospital Sussex (UHS) Princess Royal Hospital Site.
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VZDV were selected by Willmott Dixon Interiors due to VZDV's recent experience working as part of the design team on the recent refurbishment of the A&E facilities at Princess Royal Hospital and Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton.
VZDV had the site knowledge and expertise to collaborate with the design team to provide detailed design drawings for the project. VZDV's experience with adapting or replacing existing services as part of modular buildings to meet the NHS HTM and HBN design requirements was relevant to this type of fast-track project.
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The aim of the proposed Urology Investigation Unit was to provide a dedicated, modern environment that enables the delivery of a patient-centred, multi-disciplinary, one-stop clinic model for patients referred to University Hospital Sussex (UHS) Urology Service.
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This project demonstrates that with the correct collaborative team that amazing NHS facilities can be transformed and made available for better patient care.
In proud collaboration with:
Crowther Associates Architects LLP, Willmott Dixon Interiors, University Hospital Sussex NHS Foundation Trust
BACKGROUND
There was an opportunity to create a One-Stop Urology Investigation Unit at the UHS Princess Royal Hospital Site.
VZDV were selected by Willmott Dixon Interiors for this project due to VZDV’s recent experience working as part of the design team on the recent refurbishment of the A&E facilities at Princess Royal Hospital and Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton.
Currently, patients referred to UHS Urology attend an initial clinical consultation and then attend multiple, separate appointments for various urological investigations in different locations before being re-booked for a further consultation and treatment plan.
The space and facilities in the new centre will allow different specialists from the urology multi-disciplinary team to see patients on the same day, under one roof. Most patients will only have to visit the centre once, with diagnosis, treatment, discharge or referral happening during a single visit.
The Urology Investigation and Treatment Centre is part of a national programme by NHS England designed to improve the treatment and care of patients through in-depth review of services, evaluation, and a data-driven evidence base to support positive and sustainable change.
THE OBJECTIVE
The aim of the proposed Urology Investigation Unit was to provide a dedicated, modern environment that enables the delivery of a patient-centred, multi-disciplinary, one-stop clinic model for patients referred to University Hospital Sussex (UHS) Urology Service.
Under the one-stop clinic service delivery model, it was planned that patients will have a clinical consultation, undergo important diagnostic tests and receive a treatment plan during the one visit. Delivery of urology outpatient care through a one-stop clinic model improves patient safety and patient experience through improving the efficiency of pathway management and reducing diagnostic waiting times and visits. It will also support cost-effective care through reducing hospital outpatient attendances.
Currently, patients referred to UHS Urology attend an initial clinical consultation and then attend multiple, separate appointments for various urological investigations in different locations before being re-booked for a further consultation and treatment plan. Under the current delivery model, these investigations can take weeks and are resource-heavy across the urology, imaging and administrative teams.
THE CHALLENGE
As part of the initial feasibility study various locations were investigated, which included within the existing hospital, in terms of looking to create space by finding efficiencies within the existing buildings. Finding a feasible and optimum location in terms of space, access and serviceability was a challenge.
THE DEFINING MOMENT
The optimum location was found to be within an existing modular building and expanding this modular building to meet the requirements of the new Urology Centre. The existing building was a day surgery with a dedicated steel roof plant area and required to be adapted and extended to meet the requirements of a one-stop urology outpatient clinic.
VZDV undertook a due diligence of the existing services and made recommendations for Client consideration for the development of the new urology centre.
THE TRANSFORMATION
The transformative new building is not only beneficial for patient care with facilities including an ultrasound, laser treatment, cystoscopy and consultancy rooms, but is also great for staff, with amenities including separate nurse stations, storage areas, modern open plan office space and a seminar training room for medical students.
The better working environment is also helping to recruit staff, as the team grows to help manage the increased level of clinical activity, new procedures, complex interventions, and different models of working, they have seen in recent years. Sally Goodman, lead Nurse for Urology, added: “With our lovely new pristine environment to work in we have found it easier to recruit and are able to offer professionals the opportunity to join a cohesive and supportive multidisciplinary team, with medical and nursing expertise in one space to deliver excellent care to patients.”
The team has grown by over 50%, to include more clinical nurse specialists, other nursing roles, allied health professionals and administrative colleagues. The Urology Investigation and Treatment Centre is part of a national programme by NHS England designed to improve the treatment and care of patients through in-depth review of services, evaluation, and a data-driven evidence base to support positive and sustainable change.
RECOGNITION
The refurbished and extended building have much improved sustainability credentials incorporating Mid Sussex Plan DP39, more modern energy efficient building services and controls and are compliant with NHS HTM and HBN technical requirements.
LEARNINGS
This project demonstrates that with the correct collaborative team that amazing NHS facilities can be transformed and made available for better patient care.
NEXT STEPS
VZDV are well versed in providing advice for the development of medical facilities. This includes new buildings and the refurbishment of existing facilities to meet NHS HTM and HBN technical requirements and at the same time incorporate sustainable and energy efficient technologies to meet NHS requirements and budget constraints.
Van Zyl & de Villiers (VZDV)
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