Medway NHS Foundation Trust, which operates Medway Maritime Hospital, has implemented a new digital system to manage fire safety information and improve its understanding of fire risks across its hospital estate. This initiative marks a significant step towards digital transformation in fire safety management within the healthcare sector.
Enhancing Fire Safety with Digital Tools
The digital system, known as BIS Lens, was developed by BIS Consult. It integrates data from multiple sources to provide the Trust’s Fire Safety Group with a strategic tool that centralises and analyses fire risk assessment information. This approach allows for a comprehensive understanding of fire risks, enabling more effective prioritisation of actions and investments, as reported by Building Design & Construction Magazine.
Strategic Benefits and Insights
The system's interactive dashboards support fire safety review meetings by highlighting priority risks, outstanding actions, and recurring themes across the hospital estate. For example, it has revealed that addressing cabling issues with a single, estate-wide approach is more cost-effective than individual repairs. This insight aids in guiding the Trust’s investment decisions.
Aligning with NHS Guidance
The digital approach aligns with NHS guidance for managing fire safety, including HTM 05-03 and HTM 05-01, which outline how NHS organisations should assess fire risk and manage fire safety across healthcare buildings. It also supports the 'Golden thread' principle, ensuring accurate and accessible fire safety information is maintained throughout a building's life.
Implications for UK Healthcare Facilities
This implementation at Medway NHS Trust serves as a model for other UK healthcare facilities looking to modernise their fire risk management strategies. By adopting digital solutions, facilities can enhance their ability to manage risks, support regulatory compliance, and make informed investment decisions.
Broader Context and Future Developments
The adoption of BIS Lens by Medway NHS Foundation Trust is part of a broader trend within the NHS to digitise risk management systems. BIS Consult has previously implemented similar systems at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust and Airedale General Hospital, focusing on asset condition, asbestos, and RAAC. This indicates a growing recognition of the benefits of digital tools in enhancing safety and compliance across various aspects of healthcare facility management.
Practical Takeaways
Consider digital solutions for centralising fire safety data.
Use data-driven insights to prioritise fire safety actions.
Ensure alignment with NHS fire safety guidance and principles.
Explore opportunities to apply digital risk management tools to other areas such as water safety and structural conditions.
Sources
Building Design & Construction Magazine
PBC Today
