Simulation suite continues JDP’s surge into the healthcare sector
Involvement in a state-of-the-art stimulation suite at the Royal Free Hospital in London is the latest in a long line of high-profile healthcare contracts secured by local architects Johnson Design Partnership (JDP).
The Bridgnorth-based practice is taking on and beating organisations five times its size thanks to its ability to understand the need to combine infection control and technical requirements with aesthetic improvements that enhance the patient experience.
Employing six people at its Station Road office, JDP is currently working on more than £900,000 of projects, including a multi-disciplinary treatment facility and initial designs and planning for a stunning new boardroom – both for the Royal Free in London.
Closer to home, it has also been heavily involved in a feasibility study for the uplift of the Regis Medical Practice in Sandwell.
The innovative architects have tapped into evidence that a better medical environment is conducive to improved patient outcomes and the new design addresses this through an attractive focal space set at the core of the building that increases efficiency and allows plenty of natural light.
Vic Johnson, Founder of Johnson Design, explained: “As a practice, we’ve spent a lot of time getting under the skin of the healthcare sector and finding out exactly what they need to fulfill their operational requirements, such as infection control and simply ways of helping them do their job easier.”
He continued: “We’ve listened, questioned and taken all of this information in and then put it into what we do best…creating unique designs that brings buildings to life.
“This approach enabled us to win the contract for the internal refurbishment of the transport and discharge unit at the Royal Free and that was the springboard to secure more work in this arena – often against national and international competition.”
Johnson Design, which opened a second office in London last year, is currently working on its latest project, a £450,000 simulation suite that will be used to set-up scenarios including childbirth, cardiac arrest and large-scale traumas.
It has been responsible for design, detailing and complete project management of the space that includes artificial wards, corridors, clinical skills room and theatres.
Matt Spinks, Director, picked up the story:
“The simulation suite will be completed in July and will be one of the most advanced in the country.
“There have been significant time pressures to contend with and the fact we are creating multiple environments in one space has been challenging. Both factors are being overcome thanks to our close partnership with the Royal Free and our outstanding business partners.
“Hopefully, it will prove a best practice example that other hospitals can learn from.”
