Hospitals and other healthcare environments rely on flexible and hygienic buildings to provide high-quality care to patients and service users. Healthcare trusts are under pressure to balance the needs of patients with tight budgets. Institutions need to ensure that any facilities are future-proofed and cost-effective, and modular buildings can help.
Many facilities need constant attention to ensure that they meet suitable requirements and fluctuating populations. Modular healthcare facilities can provide trusts with adaptable spaces that are also easy to maintain. There are many reasons why modular buildings can assist healthcare facilities with an effective future. We’ll have a look at some of those benefits in this article.
The Benefits of Modular Healthcare Buildings
From speed of construction to flexible spaces, modular buildings can help hospitals and clinics provide efficient and clean space for patients and staff.
Respond to Patient Needs
Hospitals need to respond to the changing needs of patients and the local population. This can be because of fluctuating population or changes in services. Whether there is a need for new testing facilities or screening clinics, healthcare trusts may need to create new spaces quickly. Hospitals can also fall into disrepair and need to provide fresh facilities without disrupting current services.
Modular buildings are well-known for being a fast option for new premises. The off-site construction method is a streamlined process that is around 50% faster than traditional building processes. A new modular healthcare facility can be ready to use in around 6-8 weeks.
Flexible Space for Multiple Uses
The term “healthcare” has wider implications, so every site and every building will need to be suitable for different uses. Modular buildings have flexibility at their core. Each module has the ability to be configured to whatever your facility needs.
From clinics and consulting rooms to laboratories and operating theatres, the simple bespoke nature of modular buildings can accommodate your requirements. Your organisation can choose from open-plan spaces or create private spaces and individual rooms. Additional fixtures and fittings can be incorporated to ensure that spaces fulfil their specific purpose.
Your site may need to consider administration areas, wards, reception spaces and waiting areas. You can even install staff rest areas or even staff accommodation if necessary. Modular buildings are ideal for individual units, small stand-alone facilities or even full-scale multi-storey hospitals containing a full range of amenities.
Cost-effective Space on a Budget
It is widely known that healthcare institutions have to operate with tight budgets. With modular healthcare buildings, you can save money without compromising on quality. Modular buildings have proven to cost around 30% less than traditional brick-and-mortar constructions.
Modular buildings offer cost savings in a number of ways. The modular building process saves money on material costs through an efficient use of materials and streamlined manufacturing. Labour costs are reduced through quicker manufacturing and installation. Organisations also save money on groundwork costs, requiring less heavy equipment and fewer delays from adverse weather conditions.
Adaptable Space for Future-proofing
There is a common misconception that modular buildings are for temporary use. In fact, modular buildings are designed to be durable so that they can last for years. In addition to their durability, they are easily adapted if your needs change. A staff room can easily become an administration space or even a clinic. Walls can be reconfigured to create new spaces or even removed to create an open-plan space.
While modular buildings have the durability to be used as permanent buildings, they are also adaptable enough to be ideal for temporary solutions. If your organisation requires extra space for the short or medium term, modular buildings could be an easier option than trying to locate buildings that are available when you need them. This is ideal whether you need extra wards to relieve pressure from main buildings or space for a clinic for a short trial.
What Are Modular Buildings?
How do modular buildings manage to be both cost-effective and so flexible? The answer to this question comes down to the design of the modular building process.
Modular buildings are constructed from a series of individual modules that are manufactured in a factory environment. Each module is built from high-quality materials and undergoes strict quality control at every step of the process. Because of the factory method of construction, materials are controlled, ensuring less waste, therefore reducing costs and avoiding waste going to landfill. The factory manufacturing also results in fewer carbon emissions, helping the environment around us and also means lower running costs.
Individual modules are then transported to the required location and assembled in any configuration. This gives you the opportunity to create a space that is unique to you and works for your needs. The installation process is fast, minimising any site disruption and allowing you to move into your new premises quickly. The fast installation also saves your organisation money on costly construction costs.
GCS Cabins installs quality modular healthcare facilities
At GCS Cabins, we have the expertise to deliver an effective, budget-friendly, and flexible facility that will suit your needs, no matter what they are. Whether you are looking for a new GP surgery, outpatient clinic or staff facility, we’ll help you with a bespoke option that works.
If you need additional space quickly or if you are looking for a cost-effective option to a brand-new building, modular buildings could be a great option. The team at GCS Cabins will help you create a bespoke space that will work with your budget. Talk to us today.