Has something changed in the way hospitals are planned and built due to the corona pandemic, for example regarding intensive care units and isolation wards?
Ioannidis: Due to the pandemic, the need for more controlled and isolated areas was obvious. Axis Medical, mainly, built numerous new ICU departments. Hermetic, isolated rooms, negative pressure chambers have been the new "trend" in hospital wards, due to the needs and the circumstances. This was probably the major change in hospital design through the pandemic, which will leave as a heritage this infrastructure for a future, similar, unpleasant occasion of another pandemic.
Sustainability is becoming more and more important in the medical area. What significance does this topic currently have in hospital construction?
Ioannidis: It is becoming increasingly important as it addresses various environmental and social concerns, as well as improving the health and well-being of patients, staff and the wider community. Hospitals consume a significant amount of energy and resources, and generate a large amount of waste, making them heavy contributors to the carbon footprint. In addition, the indoor environment of hospitals can have a direct impact on the health of patients, so designing and building sustainable, modern hospitals can improve patient outcomes and reduce the environmental impact.
How can you, as a company, ensure sustainability in construction?
Ioannidis: There are a few measures that can be taken:
- Reducing waste: Implementing waste management strategies, such as recycling, and minimizing the use of single-use materials, can reduce the waste generated during construction.
- Energy efficiency: Utilize energy-efficient technologies, such as LED lighting, high-efficiency HVAC systems, and on-site renewable energy sources, to reduce energy consumption and minimize the environmental impact.
- Health and well-being-focused design: Consider the health and well-being of patients, staff and visitors by incorporating elements such as natural light, healthy indoor air quality, and access to outdoor spaces in the design.
- Sustainable materials: Prioritize the use of sustainable materials, such as low-emitting products, recycled materials where possible, and renewable materials, to reduce the environmental impact of the building.
By incorporating these practices, we as a medical construction company, can ensure the design and construction of environmentally responsible health-focused and sustainable hospital rooms.