Functional planning and design

Functional Planning and Design in Healthcare
from International Hospitals Group

IHG’s approach to healthcare planning and design is operationally led and evidenced based, driven by its focus on People, Functionality, and Site, each of which are key considerations in the creation of an appropriate and therapeutic environment. IHG’s healthcare planners always carry out a needs-based assessment in conjunction with its clients to ensure the appropriateness of the healthcare facility to be designed and built. The well being of staff, patients, and their families is fundamental to the effective delivery of healthcare services and IHG aims to respond in a positive and flexible manner to the varying needs of these end users, in the knowledge that good design can accelerate the healing process.

Converting the outline scope of services to be provided, as defined in a feasibility study, into a functional, safe, high quality and cost effective building design appropriate to local needs is a critical element of any project. This not only requires an in-depth knowledge of medical and other healthcare services, building design, architecture, mechanical and electrical and IT service provision but also a comprehensive understanding of how a hospital works on a day to day basis. IHG brings these functions together and combines them with specific local requirements to ensure the hospital is suited to the environment in which it is constructed and delivers high quality healthcare delivery through cost effective low maintenance building solutions.