NHS waiting lists are at critical levels, and every minute of healthcare facility downtime causes disruption that may sadly carry serious implications.
We recognise the immense challenges the NHS faces to deliver consistent and efficient public services and reduce waiting times, which require minimal or no downtime to key areas of a hospital.
Challenges that are exacerbated by ageing infrastructure.
The Scale of the Challenge
NHS backlog maintenance costs rose by 13.6% in 2022/23 to reach £11.6 billion, with high-risk maintenance backlog alone increasing by 31% to £2.4 billion. The latest data from the 2023/24 Estates Return Information Collection (ERIC) has highlighted that the cost to eradicate the NHS maintenance backlog has now risen even further, to £13.8 billion.
Read more about the issue of addressing the NHS maintenance backlog on our blog.
However, this situation isn't new. An article from Medical Architecture discusses how in 2017, Sir Robert Naylor's independent report highlighted that 18% of NHS Provider Estate predated the NHS's formation in 1948, with 43% being more than 30 years old.
These figures reflect a concerning trend, but also underscore the complex realities NHS Trusts face in managing ageing estates with limited resources.
The Real Cost of Short-Term Thinking
NHS decision makers have the extremely challenging task of constantly weighing up accumulative maintenance costs over the high investment cost of building new.
We recognise the immense operational and budgetary pressures they face, which can make it tempting to opt for quick fixes and lower-cost solutions.
However, this approach may lead to:
- Frequent maintenance requirements disrupting critical healthcare services
- Accumulating costs from repeated repairs and replacements
- Unexpected facility downtime affecting patient care
- Compromise on infection control and safety standards
Strategic Investment for Long-Term Success
The key to addressing these challenges lies in making strategic choices that prioritise long-term value over short-term savings.
A product’s durability minimises the need for regular maintenance, repairs and replacements, leading to strong lifecycle savings across a facility.
This is particularly crucial when it comes to critical building elements with frequent usage like doorsets, which play a vital role in:
- Fire safety compliance
- Infection control
- Access control
- Patient privacy and dignity
- Facility security
Selecting cheaper, less durable materials can result in more frequent downtime of key areas in any healthcare setting, and potentially the additional cost of multiple replacements when compared to the longer lifespan of one high-quality doorset.
The Value of Premium Solutions
When evaluating options for either renovation or replacement projects, the focus should be on total lifecycle value rather than the initial cost savings of the upfront purchase price. Premium doorset solutions, such as highly durable PVC-postformed, offer several key advantages which lead to greater savings down the line:
1. Minimised Disruption
- Longer service life means fewer replacements
- Reduced maintenance requirements
- Less frequent interruption to healthcare services
2. Lifecycle Cost Benefits
- Lower total cost of ownership
- Reduced maintenance expenditure
- Fewer replacement cycles
- Better long-term value for public funds
3. Adaptability and Flexibility
- Solutions that work across different building types and ages
- Compatibility with various wall thicknesses and construction methods
- Ability to meet diverse clinical requirements
4. Compliance and Safety
- Consistent performance in fire safety
- Superior infection control characteristics
- Reliable access control integration
5. Supporting NHS Productivity Goals
- Ensuring consistent facility availability
- Reducing maintenance-related disruptions
- Supporting efficient patient flow
- Maintaining safe and compliant environments
Making the Strategic Choice
As the NHS continues to face the challenge of ageing estates, making strategic choices about building components becomes increasingly critical.
The focus must shift from initial cost to total lifecycle value, from reactive maintenance to proactive investment, and from short-term fixes to long-term solutions.
By making these strategic choices, healthcare facilities can better serve their communities while managing resources effectively for improved quality of care.
We know these decisions are not easy, but by working together - healthcare leaders, facilities teams, and solution providers - we can maximise the long-term value of NHS infrastructure and minimise disruption to vital services.
Durable Doorsets from SDS
Whether renovating existing facilities or building new ones, the choice of building components plays a crucial role in long-term success. By selecting premium doorset solutions from SDS that offer:
- Proven durability
- Minimal maintenance requirements
- Superior lifecycle value
- Flexibility across different environments
Healthcare estates can better support their primary mission: delivering consistent and efficient public healthcare services.
Get in Touch
Let's discuss how SDS can help you maximise the long-term value of your healthcare estate while minimising disruption to vital services.
Our team of healthcare specialists can provide detailed lifecycle cost analysis and specification support tailored to your facility's unique needs.
Please contact the SDS team by calling 01420 543222 or email sales@specialistdoorsolutions.com.
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