Insights from a Global Journey in Hospital PPPs
Delivering hospitals through Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) is a proven model, but not without its challenges. From navigating prolonged planning phases to aligning clinical and technical requirements, the path to success is rarely straightforward. In emerging markets, the stakes are even higher: limited budgets, lack of local standards, and capacity gaps can derail even the most promising projects.
Drawing on my global experience, from the UK to Australia, Canada and beyond, I have seen how consistent technical advisory, integrated specifications, and evidence-based guidelines can transform outcomes. This article shares key lessons from that journey, with practical insights for those shaping the future of healthcare infrastructure.
Consistency builds confidence: lessons from Pembury
My first experience with PPPs was at Pembury Hospital in Kent (UK), where I saw the value of a single multidisciplinary technical advisor supporting the public sector throughout a prolonged planning and procurement phase.
Pembury was the first NHS hospital in England to feature 100% single inpatient bedrooms, proof that design innovation can thrive within a PPP framework.
The value of a programmatic approach
The Independent Sector Treatment Centre programme was a national UK programme to procure a range of elective clinical procedures, a very different form of PPP. This demonstrated the value in taking a programmatic approach to continuous improvement by feeding lessons learnt into successive projects, particularly with a new approach to PPP like this.
Building clarity and alignment in Adelaide
The New Royal Adelaide Hospital project underscored the importance of precise, well-structured output specifications. Working within the South Australia Health team, I helped align clinical, spatial and technical requirements with contractual and financial elements.
Developing digital and medical equipment requirements in parallel with clinical specifications proved essential. The post-contract design phase highlighted the value of detailed submission and review processes to ensure compliance and delivery certainty.
Adapting with purpose: A new approach in Canada
The Arthur J. E. Child Comprehensive Cancer Centre in Calgary ultimately followed a design and build model, but we adapted the output specifications developed during the initial PPP phase.
Strong leadership and coordination by a multidisciplinary technical advisor resulted in a robust Statement of Requirements. Investment in technical assurance during design and construction supported compliance and timely delivery, demonstrating how PPP rigour can be retained even when the delivery model shifts.
Practical guidelines for emerging markets
In emerging markets, affordability constraints often limit the ability to develop project-specific requirements. Technical standards may be lacking, and local health services may not have the capacity to engage in the development of requirements fully.
At Archus, we have developed practical, holistic guidelines for clinical planning and hospital design in PPP settings. Informed by international best practice, these guidelines help develop requirements and provide assurance on PPP projects.
On any PPP project, utilising standards and guidelines based on evidence-based practice can save a great deal of time and cost during stakeholder consultation and development of requirements, resulting in high-quality, fit-for-purpose healthcare facilities.
Practical guidelines for emerging markets
In emerging markets, affordability constraints often limit the ability to develop project specific requirements. Technical standards may be lacking, and local health services may not have the capacity to fully engage i the development of requirements.
At Archus, we have developed practical holistic guidelines for clinical planning and hospital design in PPP settings. Informed by international best practice, these guidelines help develop requirements and provide assurance on PPP projects.
On any PPP project, utilising standards and guidelines based on evidenced best practice can save a great deal of time and cost during stakeholder consultation development of requirements - and will result in high quality, fit for purpose healthcare facilities.
Planning for longevity: Evolving PPPs in the UK
Some UK PPP hospitals are nearing the end of their contract periods. At Darent Valley Hospital in Dartford, I have seen how major technical upgrades, such as fire safety works, can be delivered within the PPP framework through positive collaboration between partners.
This shows that PPPs are not just about initial delivery; they can evolve to meet long-term infrastructure needs when built on trust and shared goals.
Final thoughts
As PPPs continue to evolve, so must our approach. At Archus, we remain committed to applying global insights and practical experience to help deliver healthcare infrastructure that is resilient, efficient and fit for purpose, now and into the future.
Discover how our global experience can guide your next healthcare project. Get in touch today k.wood@archus.uk.com.
