Martin Heaward, UK head of Sales of Projects and Specifications at Gewiss, explains the consequences of relying on a product-first approach for a healthcare facility’s electrical infrastructure. He outlines the importance for those responsible for healthcare estates of working alongside electrical partners who can help them see the bigger picture, and create high-performing, effective and resilient solutions which meet their current and future needs.
As healthcare estates continue to evolve, the expectations placed upon them have never been higher. Operators are tasked with delivering environments that support exceptional patient experiences, promote staff wellbeing, meet increasingly ambitious sustainability targets, and remain resilient against operational challenges. These requirements are not just competing priorities, they're deeply interconnected, and, at the centre of it all lies a component of the estate that is often overlooked: its electrical infrastructure.
Historically seen as a 'behind-the-scenes' necessity, an estate's electrical infrastructure has shifted from a functional requirement to a strategic asset. From modular hospital builds and mental health facilities to integrated retirement communities, the electrical backbone of a facility impacts everything: healing outcomes, safety, energy efficiency, and long-term maintenance costs.
Yet, despite this critical role, decisions about infrastructure are still too often driven by a 'product-first' mindset — with a focus on immediate needs, price points, or individual components rather than the system as a whole. The real question facing operators is: how can they ensure their infrastructure is not only fit for today, but ready for the challenges of the future?
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