Design
The overall size and configuration of the emerging hospital design is based firmly on the future model of care which seeks to optimise departmental adjacencies (having specific departments next to or close to each other to maximise ease of care provision).
It will also, encourage teamwork between related specialties, improve patient flow, reduce duplication of spaces and create an environment focused on the specific needs of patients, visitors and staff that promotes safety, recovery and wellbeing.
The ‘village’ concept as a metaphor
The philosophy behind the development of New University Hospital Monklands is to create an environment that is based on comfortable scale for people and provides interesting spatial experiences to both adults and children. The building is divided into separate areas or “districts”, each with its own identity but unified as part of the “town” plan. The main pedestrian street is the spine of the building, connecting the different districts and establishing a hierarchy and sense of place. The overall aim is to create a successful town or village plan that promotes public and clinical interaction.
Street
Civic
Work
Home
Green
Single patient bedrooms
Single rooms with en-suite are required by the Scottish Government for all new hospitals. The single patient bedrooms will offer the patients a quiet, healing environment with minimal distractions. They will also provide enhanced privacy for patients which will in turn lead to improved comfort and confidentiality.
It is hoped that single rooms will see patients benefit from better sleep and reduced noise overnight, leading to improved rest and recovery and ultimately shorter time spent in hospital. Offering a single room will also make it easier for relatives, carers and friends to visit and support the patient.
The wards are designed for good staff visibility into patient rooms and there will be areas for patients to meet up, to address any concerns about people feeling isolated in their own room.
Good design promotes safety, recovery and wellbeing
NHS Lanarkshire and the design team have worked closely with patients and staff groups to learn lessons from current design restraints and lived experiences for patients.
Aspects of the design that will support safety, recovery and wellbeing include, single patient bedrooms, internal courtyard spaces, quiet rooms for contemplation and sensitive discussions, and an arts and design approach that ensures a calming and healing environment is visible for all.
Improving patient flow
All of the acute services delivered within the existing University Hospital Monklands will move to the new hospital, however the design of the new hospital has allowed us to optimise the patient journey making it easier to navigate through the hospital.
We have had the opportunity to ensure the correct adjacencies are in place to provide a streamlined patient journey through the hospital whether planned or unplanned. From our Front Door Assessment Model which aims to support patients during unplanned admission to hospital to our new peri-op room model which provides a seamless journey for patients coming to the hospital for a planned surgical procedure, we hope that digital technology will support staff, patients and visitors to navigate the new hospital as efficiently as possible.
Creating an environment focused on the specific needs of patients, visitors and staff
The MRP has worked closely with the Spiritual Care team to design a new department and outdoor space that will offer both quiet contemplative surroundings and a space to collaborate and celebrate staff and visitors. The Spiritual Care space will be available around the clock for staff and visitors to access.
