Optimising space use via data-driven insights

Estates and facilities managers in healthcare are under constant pressure to do more with less, but as the way healthcare staff work continues to evolve, so too must the environments that support them. Flexible working models — such as hybrid, compressed hours, and job sharing — are now formally recognised across the public sector. While clinical teams must remain on site, many administrative and support roles are increasingly mobile. This shift presents both opportunities and challenges for estates teams.

In this evolving landscape, the role of estates and facilities managers and other estates professionals is no longer just about maintaining buildings; it's about supporting better care through smarter, more responsive environments. With up to £10 bn of new NHS investment earmarked for digital transformation, there's a clear opportunity to harness data and technology to drive more efficient, patient-focused estate strategies — but only when done right. Therefore, it leaves one pressing question: How is the role of estates and facilities managers evolving in response to the balancing act of modern healthcare, where rising expectations and limited resources demand smarter, technology-driven approaches to managing space?

Hybrid working has transformed the way that space is being used across healthcare — but not evenly. Despite clinical teams needing to remain on site, many administrative, managerial, and support staff can now work more flexibly. However, these evolving work patterns are often at odds with how NHS spaces were originally designed and are currently managed.