Darwin Group have launched a modular operating theatre- “the first of its kind”- to help NHS organisations clear the elective backlog of 7.46m procedures.
The post Modular operating theatre launched to help clear NHS elective backlog appeared first on Planning, Building & Construction Today. 
Darwin Group have launched a modular operating theatre- “the first of its kind”- to help NHS organisations clear the elective backlog of over 7m procedures
The modular On-Demand Ultraclean Operating Theatre is HBN and HTM compliant and could offer the NHS the additional surgical capacity needed to clear the elective backlog, which numbers around 7.46m treatments.
Formally launched at the Institute of Government & Public Policy’s (IGPP) fifth Annual Operating Theatres Show in London, Darwin Group claims the theatre is the first hireable modular operating theatre.
The modular operating theatre would support hospitals in need of refurbishment
The On-Demand Ultraclean Operating Theatre can also support trusts and organisations needing to undertake maintenance and lifecycle programmes of work to their existing theatres, acting as a decant space allowing elective procedures to continue throughout any maintenance programme.
Nick Dawe, managing director, at Darwin Group commented: “Too many patients are waiting too long for life-changing surgeries, much to the frustration of them and hard-working staff. We know that the lack of appropriate theatre space is one of the biggest barriers to reducing the elective backlog.
“While temporary operating theatres have been available for some time, clinician feedback has told us that other solutions do not always provide the right environment for complex and intricate surgeries due to unstable floors. Our On-Demand Ultraclean Operating Theatre comes with the right grounding to perform even the most intricate of surgeries.”
Digital twins were used to ensure coordination across the development process
Approximately 90% of the project is being developed off-site using volumetric construction and careful, considered co-ordination through a digital twin model.
The modules have been engineered to be as standardised and considered as possible. For example, pipe-runs terminate in predictable and accessible places, all doorframes are positioned for off-site installation, and the MAT Eco-Stealth Theatre Canopy is coordinated as part of the off-site assembly.
These methods minimise on-site construction time, ensuring the Trust and communities benefit from the project as quickly as possible. Other sustainability technologies deployed in the project include:
- High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter
- Advanced MAT eco-stealth ventilation systems
- Eco-friendly insulation
- LED lighting
“Six million patients are currently waiting for elective treatment.”
Nick continued: “Orthopaedic and trauma elective care is carrying the largest backlog, with a total waiting list of 835,453 treatments and over 40% of patients waiting more than 18 weeks for treatment. Not having appropriate theatre space is not the only barrier to treating more patients.”
“The theatres can also support NHS and private healthcare estates for as long as they need it, as an extension to existing estates or as an independent surgical hub.”
The post Modular operating theatre launched to help clear NHS elective backlog appeared first on Planning, Building & Construction Today.
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