NHS

Delivering NHS Hospitals of the Future Experience

The National Health Service (NHS) in England, renowned for its comprehensive public healthcare system, faced a unique challenge. They needed an innovative solution to showcase their brand-new Hospitals of the Future project, which is still under development. The primary objective was to provide a detailed, accessible preview of the hospital's layout and facilities, particularly the Children's Ward, Maternity Ward, and Operating Theatre. This initiative aimed to increase staff familiarity with the new environment and enhance employee and stakeholder engagement by involving them in the transition process.

To address this challenge, we developed a cutting-edge 3D interactive environment using our virtual reality software, ICE. This virtual solution allowed users to navigate through a realistic representation of the hospital, offering a detailed and immersive preview of the future facility. Our team meticulously recreated key areas of the hospital, including the Children's Ward, Maternity Ward, and Operating Theatre. The interactive platform was designed to be user-friendly, ensuring that staff could easily explore and familiarise themselves with the new layout and facilities. This approach not only provided a tangible sense of the upcoming changes but also assists in a smoother transition for the staff.

The implementation of the 3D interactive environment yielded significant benefits. Most notably, there was a marked increase in employee engagement, as staff were able to visualise and familiarise themselves with the new hospital layout before completion. This proactive approach to change management helped mitigate uncertainties and foster a sense of anticipation and preparedness among the employees and stakeholders. Additionally, the interactive environment proved to be an effective tool for orienting staff to specific locations within the hospital, thereby streamlining the eventual move to the new facility. Overall, the project contributed to a positive and informed work environment, setting the stage for a successful transition to the new Hospital of the Future. It was also utilised at council and government level to showcase the scheme and new offerings.