The challenge
With parts of Torbay Hospital dating back to the 1920s, a significant portion of the healthcare estate requires updates and repairs.
The solution
We used drones to complete the hospital survey, reducing the disruption to hospital care and saving the hospital time and money.
The impact
Through the efficiencies from high-speed recording, effective assessment, and project management, we passed on significant cost savings to the client.
1,500,000 sq m
of land surveyed
The challenge
Torbay Hospital supports the people of Torbay and South Devon, England, through an integrated hospital and community care program. With parts of the hospital dating back to the 1920s, a significant portion of the healthcare estate requires updates and repairs to sustain and improve the level of care it offers.
A survey of its land was required to assess the status of the hospital’s current facilities and begin the planning process for its redevelopment to secure public funding.
The solution
Arcadis, formerly Arcadis IBI Group, was retained by the Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust to complete a survey of its facilities to support the site’s proposed redevelopment. The project required careful planning to ensure we could gather the needed data on the site’s 1,500,000 square meters of buildings, grounds and facilities with minimal impact on hospital operations. Instead of using traditional survey methods, which would have been disruptive to staff and unnecessarily complicated, we completed the survey using Remotely Piloted Aerial Systems (RPAS) or drones. Compared to other survey methods, RPAS’ camera and stabilization technology offer a more accurate depiction of the survey area. RPAS also reduce survey time as they can quickly capture large areas of land, covering hard-to-reach places seamlessly and offering real-time feedback on the land surveyed.
We divided the site into manageable portions for multiple flights and planned flight paths that allowed for a clear line of sight to the RPAS at all times. With over 27 flights completed, we carefully considered the take-off and landing points to further minimize disruption to the hospital’s operations.
The impact
Through the efficiencies gained from high-speed recording and effective assessment and program management, our survey capabilities enabled us to pass on significant cost savings to the client. The use of drones to complete the survey ensured there were minimal disruptions to the quality of care provided at the hospital while the survey was taking place.
The survey data supported Torbay Hospital’s bid to secure funding to redevelop its current facilities, ensuring its ability to continue to provide safe and effective care while taking advantage of the latest innovations in health and care services.
