James Howard, healthcare sector lead at Willmott Dixon Interiors, is one of the UK’s most experienced healthcare construction specialists.
With nearly two decades of expertise, he has led major fit-outs and refurbishments on behalf of several NHS Trusts.
Here, he shares why collaboration underpins every successful healthcare project.
Dedicated NHS refurbishment specialist
Willmott Dixon Interiors employs dedicated sector leads to ensure excellence across key areas, including healthcare.
Why? It believes this investment in industry specialists ensures a deep understanding of NHS regulations, terminology and design requirements, which are developed through experience and long-term partnerships.
“Consistency of project delivery is fundamental, particularly in a complex sector like healthcare,” explains James.
“We have a wealth of project experience and understand the operational challenges NHS Trusts face across diverse healthcare settings, from acute hospitals to high secure mental health units.
“We also understand the way NHS Trusts work. We know the constraints staff are working under and what they need to move a project through their governance procedures.”
Key components of a successful NHS refurbishment
Willmott Dixon Interiors has delivered multiple projects for University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, enhancing facilities at Royal Sussex County Hospital, Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital and Princess Royal Hospital.
Projects have resulted in a range of improvements, including:
● Increased patient capacity
● Streamlined working practices
● High-quality patient experience
● Enhanced clinical safety
● Measurable operational efficiencies
So, what drives this success? According to James, it all comes down to collaboration. Which is why he engages with NHS stakeholders at all levels, from estates directors to nurses, clinicians, and patients.
“Healthcare projects are often extremely challenging and are invariably delivered in complex, live working environments, so collaboration and good communication is a must,” he says.
“You only learn what’s required through delivery and that’s why continuity of subcontractors and supply chain partners is extremely important to us. If suppliers have no experience of healthcare work, they’ve really struggled to become part of our team.
“Understanding what a Trust wants to achieve through a refurbishment or build is crucial to the success of a project. The earlier we are involved in that conversation, the better.”
Why early engagement matters in NHS projects
Early engagement between a main contractor and an NHS Trust can pave the way for innovative solutions to complex challenges.
Take finance, for example. The NHS often faces constraints due to financial year budgets, but close collaboration between Willmott Dixon Interiors and its NHS [customers/partners] has enabled projects to be programmed to maximise available budgets within a given financial year.
James also stresses the importance of applying this type of flexibility to other aspects of project delivery, particularly design.
He says: “If you have a flexible design, the clinical sign-off is going to be so much easier. We have collaborated on a variety of healthcare projects at several different stages but I firmly believe early engagement allows us to deliver a high-quality project on the day of handover.”
The benefits of collaborative framework agreements
NHS Trusts benefit from the wide range of procurement routes available through Willmott Dixon Interiors.
Through collaborative frameworks, Willmott Dixon Interiors can get involved in a project from the very outset, appointing design teams, working with stakeholders, and accelerating project delivery.
“Procurement routes are vast,” says James. “There are multiple frameworks an NHS Trust can choose from, such as ProCure23, SCAPE, Procurement Hub and Pagabo. This allows our customers to focus on what is right for them, their communities and stakeholders, rather than lengthy, costly procurement processes.”
Many NHS estates are no longer fit for purpose, whether that’s due to outdated patient pathways or inefficient facilities. Working with the right partner can transform healthcare spaces for the benefit of NHS staff and patients alike.
