In UK healthcare environments, HVAC systems are essential infrastructure, protecting patients, staff, and visitors while ensuring compliance with rigorous NHS and HTM (Health Technical Memoranda) standards. According to NHS Digital, NHS estates and facilities services account for over 5,000 sites across England, highlighting the scale of HVAC demands within the health sector.

Hospitals require advanced ventilation, temperature, and humidity control to reduce infection risks and provide safe, comfortable conditions for care delivery. Operational continuity of these systems is vital for the safety of occupants. Redundant HVAC systems, standby chillers, and emergency power supplies are as important as the active systems themselves to ensure continuous operation during system faults or power outages, minimising risks to patients and critical services.

Infection Control Through Ventilation

Ventilation is critical in controlling the spread of airborne pathogens in hospitals. Studies show that improving ventilation rates can reduce infection transmission risk by up to 50% in healthcare environments. Air handling units (AHUs) with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtration are used in operating theatres, isolation rooms, and critical care areas to maintain positive or negative air pressures as needed, ensuring contaminated air does not migrate between zones.

Watsons Building Services specialises in sustainable HVAC solutions within the Healthcare sector, including VRF (left), MVHR (centre) and BMS (right).

Indoor Air Quality and Patient Safety

Indoor air quality (IAQ) is essential for patient recovery and staff well-being. HTM 03-01 mandates ventilation rates of up to 25 air changes per hour in operating theatres. HVAC systems designed with HEPA filters and germicidal ultraviolet (UVC) light sterilisation help remove bacteria, viruses, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), supporting safer patient outcomes.

Humidity and Temperature Control

Tightly controlled humidity and temperature levels prevent pathogen growth and ensure clinical comfort. Hospitals typically maintain relative humidity between 40-60% to minimise the survival of viruses and reduce electrostatic discharge risks. Modern Building Management Systems (BMS) integrate humidity sensors and advanced HVAC controls to ensure stable conditions.

Energy Efficiency and Sustainability

Healthcare facilities are energy-intensive, with hospitals using up to 2.5 times more energy than commercial buildings. Sustainable HVAC design focuses on reducing carbon emissions through:

• Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) systems to optimise cooling and heating demands.
• Heat recovery ventilation systems to reclaim up to 80% of exhaust air energy.
• Smart BMS for real-time energy monitoring and fault detection.

NHS England’s 2040 Net Zero Carbon plan emphasises that decarbonising heating and cooling systems will be a critical component in achieving sustainability goals.

CASE STUDY SPOTLIGHT

M+E Design and Installation for a Community Diagnostic Centre

Watsons designed and installed mechanical and electrical services for a new diagnostic centre at Eccleshill Hospital, including an Air Handling Unit serving the scanning rooms' clean air requirements, which complemented the VRF System.

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Innovation, Expertise, Excellence

As healthcare facilities continue to modernise, HVAC systems are evolving to play a strategic role in improving patient outcomes, reducing environmental impact, and optimising operational efficiency. From integrating renewable energy sources to employing real-time monitoring systems, hospitals can leverage HVAC technology to create healthier, more sustainable environments that support both clinical excellence and long-term cost savings.

At Watsons Building Services, we are proud of our relationship with the NHS, delivering HVAC solutions in hospitals and community facilities that are safe, reliable, sustainable and cost-effective.