We have an unprecedented opportunity to shape a healthier, more compassionate Scotland through the quality of the buildings and environments we create. Gareth Hoskins, Scottish Healthcare Design Champion

Andy Kerr MSP, Minister for Health and Community Care and Architecture and Design Scotland today launched the NHSScotland Design Champions’ Network. At the heart of the initiative is the drive for better healthcare buildings which can make a measurable difference to the experience of staff, patients and their families.

Andy Kerr said:

We know that a wide range of factors contribute to the delivery of first class patient care – and the quality and design of our buildings is an important part of that. People don’t choose to suffer ill-health – but when it does happen, providing care in a comfortable and uplifting environment can help. In addition, better buildings are good news for staff and help to improve their morale, recruitment and retention.

The launch of the network follows the recent announcement of an agreement between the Health Department and Architecture and Design Scotland to work collaboratively in the pursuit of better designed healthcare facilities.

Gareth Hoskins, Scottish Healthcare Design Champion, said:

We have an unprecedented opportunity to shape a healthier, more compassionate Scotland through the quality of the buildings and environments we create. What we build now can and should provide patient focused healing environments of a quality that we can be proud of and that can support healthcare delivery for the next 50 years.

Senior figures from Health Boards throughout Scotland, and other public sector agencies gathered at the launch of the NHSScotland Design Champions’ Network. Twenty-eight design champions have been appointed across sixteen health boards, with more appointments anticipated soon.