Worthing Hospital: Urology Investigation Unit (UIU)
The Challenge
The development of the UIU posed several noteworthy challenges within the live hospital environment. Working amidst ongoing healthcare activities demanded careful planning to minimize disruptions and prioritize patient safety. A multitude of stakeholders, including clinical staff, administrators, and hospital management, needed to collaborate effectively for project success. The limited space available required strategic design to achieve efficient patient routes while maximizing the quality of care. Overcoming these hurdles, Electrolite contributed to the delivery of a unit that streamlined patient flow, improved care standards, and positively impacted the hospital's healthcare services.
The Approach
The strategic outline case, developed by Electrolite, shortlisted a number of options for the delivery of a UIU. Once the location was agreed, architects were appointed to develop the initial design. This was supported by our extensive consultation with the clinical team to redevelop the patient pathways, which ultimately shaped the unit layout.
We led the development of the full business case which detailed how the UIU would allow all patients be treated to the best standards. Supported by robust data, the aim was to bring a multi-disciplinary team together in one area, allowing the service to investigate, diagnose and treat on the same day if appropriate.
Alongside the development of the FBC, we chaired a bi-weekly project group meeting of clinical and operational staff. This was key to maintaining engagement with the project and to ensuring all parties were able to provide their input to the future service delivery including staffing, clinic timetables and equipment. We project managed the decant of the existing unit into a temporary home which was overseen by this group.
Further consultation with lead clinicians helped us collate an equipment schedule to complement the completed unit. A project plan was produced to occupy the new unit. This included the coordination of patient communications and supporting the team in integrating the new service improvements to realise the benefits of the project.