Identifying the driving factors for the future hospital in a climate change scenario

Climate change, a severe and urgent problem, is causing an increase in the frequency and intensity of climate-related disasters. The healthcare sector, responsible for safeguarding people's health, is also a significant contributor to carbon emissions, accounting for a staggering 4.4% of global net emissions. Given the critical role of climate change in health and health inequalities, this statistic is not just concerning but alarming, demanding immediate attention. Healthcare services, too, can be affected by climate change-induced disruptions. The healthcare industry has identified estate and facilities as a significant area with the potential to achieve a net-zero healthcare system. However, the environment in which hospitals operate is evolving rapidly, and they must keep pace with future requirements. Therefore, it is crucial to identify the driving factors for change and integrate them into a future-proof approach for maintaining and upgrading the healthcare estate.

This paper presents the results of a one-day workshop in which participants were asked to identify current drivers of hospital change and potential trends that may follow. The research reported in this paper is part of a larger project that aims to develop a framework to provide integrated mitigation strategies to transition to a zero-carbon future and adaptation strategies to address existing climate change through betterinformed facilities and built asset management planning.

To shape a future hospital that is both sustainable and resilient, it is imperative, at a strategic level, to consider the interplay between evolving healthcare delivery, shifting user expectations, emerging technologies, and the hospitals' impact on the environment and their resilience to climate change. A future-proof approach is not just a choice but necessary in the face of the changing climate and evolving healthcare landscape.