How hospital infrastructure is designed has been identified as a key contributor to the spread of healthcare associated infections and drug-resistant pathogens, contributing to antimicrobial resistance, an escalating global threat to patient safety. There's an urgent need to rethink how we design and operate healthcare facilities. While the issue is complex, it is increasingly clear that the built environment plays a pivotal role in infection prevention.

Breaking down silos: A Multidisciplinary Workshop

In March, the Healthcare Infection Society  in collaboration with Sidara brought together experts from across IPC, estates, healthcare planning, architecture and engineering  for a focused workshop in London aiming to address recurring design, construction, installation and commissioning challenges.

Key Takeaways and Strategic Focus Areas

Throughout the workshop, several core strategies emerged that participants agreed were essential for change:

• Early collaboration between IPC and construction is essential - ongoing communication is key to overcoming barriers.
• Design decisions have a direct impact on patient safety – education and training is vital.
• Live and up-to-date guidance is needed rapidly for all involved in designing, building and maintaining healthcare buildings.

Looking Ahead: From Insights to Implementation

The findings from the workshop will inform a comprehensive report and scientific paper, scheduled to be launched at the Institute of Healthcare Engineering and Estate Management (IHEEM) conference in October 2025.

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