As one of the first points of contact for clients across the north of the UK, Oscar plays a vital role in guiding healthcare projects from initial specification to final handover. His work takes place in live healthcare environments where safety, hygiene, and compliance are non-negotiable, making his expertise essential for successful outcomes.
“If we can take some of the pressure off through expert support and smart design, then we’re doing our job right,” Oscar Thorstensen, Project Consultant, Trovex.
Oscar’s strong relationships with estates teams, contractors, and architects enable him to ensure that every Trovex project is tailored to the client’s needs, compliant with regulations, and delivered with care. This hands-on involvement helps to ensure every detail is managed thoughtfully to suit the demands of that specific healthcare environment, whether that's ward spaces, operating theatres or washrooms.
Early involvement is key
One of the critical factors that sets Oscar’s approach apart is his early involvement in projects, often beginning before a single drawing has been drafted. “I’m typically speaking with NHS Project Managers and estates teams right from the start” he explains. This early engagement allows Trovex to offer valuable guidance on specifications, fire-compliance, and infection prevention.
In many cases, NHS clients may not have a design consultant on board, leaving a gap in expertise that Trovex is ready to fill. “We advise directly, develop the scheme with them, and essentially take that pressure off their plate,” Oscar adds. Clients benefit from a wide choice of products and customisation options, allowing them to select solutions tailored to their specific needs and preferences. The recommendations are also aligned with the client’s space, budget, and safety requirements.
Easily overlooked details
Oscar is particularly proud of how simple design choices can have a significant impact, especially those that might easily be overlooked. “Our plinth detail is a great example,” he explains. Although a small feature, it is standard on Trovex’s IPS (Hygipod IPS) and addresses a common issue faced during installation.
Often, the interface between IPS and flooring is neglected, leading to complications in hygiene and maintenance. Trovex’s healthcare plinth design creates a smooth, hygienic transition that is easy to clean and straightforward for installers to fit. This thoughtful detail reduces frustration at the end of a project and enhances infection control measures, all without requiring additional input on site.
Balancing compliance and innovation for patients
Working closely with NHS trusts means meeting strict standards, but Oscar views these not as limitations but as a foundation for innovation. “We’re constantly listening to feedback from ward staff, facilities teams, and Estates Managers,” he says. The day-to-day frustrations they encounter often relate to the building itself, and this insight fuels Trovex’s ongoing innovation.
Every design decision aims to make the lives of healthcare professionals easier. At the same time, compliance with HTM guidance and fire safety regulations remains a top priority. “We always keep HTM guidance and fire-safety top of mind. They’re part of the brief, not barriers to better design,” Oscar emphasises.
This commitment to balancing compliance with innovation ensures that Trovex not only meets rigorous standards but also offers practical benefits that suit a variety of healthcare environments, budgets, and space constraints.
Oscar's role as Project Consultant highlights how expert support, early involvement, and thoughtful design choices come together to deliver tailored healthcare solutions. By focusing on consistency, problem-solving details, and maintaining a balance between compliance and innovation, Trovex offers a comprehensive range of products that enhance safety, usability, and patient care across NHS projects.
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