For our latest MRP Blog we asked the project’s Digital Lead, Maureen McGinn, to tell us about what work is happening to design Scotland’s first digital hospital.

 Maureen gave us an overview of some of the areas the team are focusing on currently:

 

“Our digital team strive to stay current with the latest information and communication technology infrastructure and digital innovation, to look at how these can be designed into the new University Hospital Monklands to help enhance patient care and staff wellbeing.”

 

“We will continue to adopt a collaborative approach by engaging with stakeholders (patients, visitors, community representatives and staff) which allows us to recognise the objectives which are important to those who will use the new hospital and means we can build these into the fabric of the building. The common themes coming out of our engagement with stakeholders include focussing on improved person centred services, improving the quality of the physical environment and improving the safety of patient care. These themes have been added to our digital strategy for the Monklands Replacement Project (MRP) and align with NHS Lanarkshire’s overarching strategic frameworks.”

 

“To ensure we meet the objectives in the MRP Digital Strategy, we’re involved in the ongoing departmental design reviews at 1:50 scale to ensure that we have the correct equipment specifications for each room and to build flexibility into the design. We want to create a resilient, reliable, fast and efficient infrastructure to allow us to keep up with the fast pace of digital development.”

 

“We’re working with our project partners to ensure we have 100 percent wi-fi and mobile coverage to meet the operational needs of the new site and to provide fast internet connection for patients and visitors. We will also continue to be involved with the development of the project’s wayfinding strategy to provide input on digital signage which will help patients, visitors and staff move around the hospital more easily.”

 

“In parallel with this work, we’re progressing plans for a 4D “digital twin” of the new hospital building. There are many benefits to having this digital twin – an exact, digital replica of the physical building – including the ability to integrate software systems, manage our assets, identify maintenance issues before they happen and optimise the patient’s journey from admission to discharge.”

 

“It’s a very busy and exciting time to be part of the project and we’ll continue to speak to stakeholders to get their ideas as we move forward along the road to the new Monklands. Together, we can contribute to the delivery of better health and wellbeing for all patients and staff at the new Monklands.”