The next generation of NHS hospitals will require more than modern buildings. They will need to function as intelligent, connected environments where digital technology, clinical workflows and physical infrastructure work together to improve patient care, support staff and increase operational efficiency.

As the NHS continues to invest in major capital programmes through the New Hospital Programme, healthcare leaders face an important question: how can digital capability be embedded into hospital design from the very beginning, rather than added after construction is complete?

This challenge is the focus of SALUS, St. Vincent's specialist advisory service, which supports NHS organisations in planning digitally enabled hospitals that connect technology, buildings and clinical care from the outset.

Planning Hospitals for a Digital Future

Hospital development has traditionally centred on estates and construction. Today, however, digital infrastructure has become just as critical as bricks and mortar.

Electronic patient records, smart building technologies, clinical systems, interoperability, data platforms and intelligent hospital capabilities all influence how effectively a hospital operates once it opens its doors.

SALUS works with NHS organisations to help ensure these elements are considered together throughout the planning process. Rather than treating digital systems as standalone projects, the service focuses on aligning technology with clinical priorities, operational requirements and long-term organisational strategy.

Its advisory work spans digital strategy, business case development, architecture and design assurance, governance, integration planning and digital readiness, helping NHS organisations develop realistic and deliverable roadmaps for future hospital programmes.

Learning from NHS Hospital Programmes

One of the most valuable aspects of hospital development is the opportunity to learn from previous projects.

St. Vincent's has supported several NHS organisations through major digital transformation programmes, including The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust and Airedale NHS Foundation Trust.

At Princess Alexandra Hospital, the team contributed to the Trust's digital Outline Business Case by supporting technology appraisal, cost-benefit analysis and implementation planning, helping to align digital investment with future models of care. At Airedale NHS Foundation Trust, St. Vincent's and SRO Innovate are working together as joint Technology Partners for the digital workstream of the Securing the Future Programme, bringing together expertise in clinical systems, digital strategy and smart building technologies.

These projects demonstrate the importance of considering technology, clinical services and building design as interconnected elements of a single programme rather than separate workstreams.

Supporting the NHS's Digital Transformation

The NHS's ambition to move from analogue to digital healthcare extends beyond software implementation. It also requires hospitals that are designed to support connected care, integrated technologies and efficient clinical workflows for decades to come.

SALUS draws on expertise from across St. Vincent's wider consultancy, including digital leadership and advisory services through Luminaries, workforce development through FirstLight, and integration and productivity solutions through Pulse. Together, these capabilities help NHS organisations connect technology, people and processes while supporting the ambitions outlined in the NHS 10 Year Health Plan.

By bringing together clinical expertise, digital strategy and smart building knowledge, SALUS helps trusts reduce risk, strengthen governance and make more informed investment decisions throughout the development of new hospital programmes.

Hear from Mark Vincent at GIANT Health 2026

Visitors to GIANT Health 2026 will have the opportunity to hear directly from Mark Vincent, who will explore how NHS organisations can successfully bring together buildings, technology and clinical care to improve hospital performance.

Drawing on St. Vincent's experience supporting programmes at The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust and Airedale NHS Foundation Trust, Mark will discuss practical lessons learned, common challenges and the emerging technologies shaping the next generation of NHS hospitals.

His session will examine why collaboration between estates teams, clinicians, digital leaders and technology partners is essential from the earliest planning stages, offering valuable insights for organisations involved in the New Hospital Programme as well as trusts seeking to improve existing facilities through digital transformation.

Meet St. Vincent's at GIANT Health 2026

As healthcare systems continue to modernise, successful hospital development will depend on more than new infrastructure. It will require connected thinking that brings together people, technology and the built environment to create hospitals that are efficient, resilient and centred on patient care.

At GIANT Health 2026, delegates will have the opportunity to meet the St. Vincent's team, learn more about the SALUS advisory service and discover how digitally enabled hospital planning can help NHS organisations deliver better outcomes for patients, staff and the wider healthcare system.

For more information about GIANT Health 2026, including the conference programme and speaker line-up, visit the GIANT Health website.