The recent Healthcare Buildings Forum brought together leading architects, M&E consultants and manufacturers to discuss the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of healthcare facilities. Representing Trovex, Howard McCreadie shared insights from the event and highlighted how we are helping to lead the conversation on better, safer and more sustainable healthcare environments.
Hospital 2.0 challenges
One of the most prominent topics at the event this year was the New Hospital Programme, often referred to as Hospital 2.0. With ten large-scale hospitals currently planned, there was notable concern among delegates about how advanced the specifications have become, and the lack of input from key specialist suppliers at this critical stage.
“Architects and consultants were voicing real anxiety,” Howard explained. “We’re talking about a batch of ten enormous hospitals being designed to a specification that may need significant adjustments once it’s put into practice. Yet, specialists like us with practical, hands-on knowledge haven’t been consulted.”
This points to a clear need for greater collaboration between design teams, consultants, and suppliers to ensure the facilities being delivered are not only fit for purpose but also future-ready.
Refurbishing the healthcare estate
Alongside the heavily discussed Hospital 2.0 project, the forum highlighted an equally pressing reality that the hundreds of NHS Trusts outside the programme still require urgent upgrades, maintenance and expansion of their facilities.
As Howard noted, “These trusts aren’t standing still while the new hospital programme progresses. They’re still battling with the day-to-day challenges of keeping their environments safe, hygienic and operational for patients and staff.”
The manufacturing capacity gap
A recurring theme in discussions was manufacturing capacity. Not all suppliers have the ability to scale up for large projects or deliver at speed when urgent needs arise. This is where Trovex stands out.
“With our streamlined processes and proven capacity, we’re in a strong position to support these larger schemes,” Howard said. “We understand what’s needed and we’re ready to deliver, whether that’s part of a new build or a fast-track refurbishment.”
We have a dedicated fleet of Trovex delivery vehicles that ensure we can meet your demands and keep even the most complex projects on track.
We manage the entire process in-house, meaning we can work with you to identify a manufacturing and delivery schedule that suits your project. Deliveries can even be split so they are delivered at different times on larger multi-room projects.
We deliver across the UK, direct to site, with vehicles spanning all sizes to fit the product and project.
Responding to urgent healthcare needs
One example raised during the forum underscored the importance of responsive solutions. A Trust had experienced a virus outbreak, forcing the closure of certain departments because their IPS were difficult to clean.
“They urgently needed an IPS designed to keep infection risks to a minimum,” Howard recalled. “We were able to arrange a meeting at pace to help them take action.”
This real-world scenario illustrates how Trovex’s infection prevention systems and one hygienic finish product family are a vital part of a proactive approach to supporting healthcare teams in protecting patients and staff.
Hygipod IPS is designed specifically for healthcare environments, simplifying the creation of spaces that are fully healthcare compliant.
Each unit is manufactured to meet HTM and HBN guidance, incorporating one seamless hygienic finish and minimal joins to eliminate dirt traps and support simplified cleaning.
As healthcare demands evolve, Trovex remains committed to delivering solutions that not only meet today’s requirements but anticipate tomorrow’s challenges. Through our manufacturing capability, healthcare knowledge and design expertise, we’re helping to shape environments that are safe, adaptable and built to last.
If you couldn’t make it to the event, we invite you to explore the videos above and get in touch to continue the conversation:
