What we've learnt after 100 developments

As Assura celebrates 20 years in business and 100 completed developments, we reflect on the lessons we have learned over the last two decades. 
By Jonathan Webb, Development Director 

You might not think it, but Assura is younger than the iPod and in some countries, this company still wouldn't be able to legally buy a glass of wine. Compared to the NHS, which celebrated its 75th birthday this month, some would say we are a ‘mere whippersnapper’.

Whilst 2003 doesn't feel like that long ago, two decades have passed in no time and somewhat serendipitously, we've also just completed our 100th development - a brand new, BREEAM ‘Excellent’ GP surgery in Prestbury, Wolverhampton. Our 101st scheme – a new day-case unit and diagnostic centre for Ramsay Health Care in Kettering - has also since completed, showing the breadth of skills our team has built up over the years.

As we reflect on what we've achieved in that time, cultivating best-in-class design teams that enable delivery of buildings that now serve nearly one million patients, it's worth reflecting on where it all began. 

Assura's first development was a new surgery in Bonnyrigg, a town in Midlothian, Scotland. One of the largest centres of its type at the time, Bonnyrigg brought together three practices under one roof in a purpose-built convenient space and today provides services for more than 22,000 patients. We estimate more than two million clinical consultations have been held in that building since it was completed.

There are similarities to be found between development one and development one hundred. In Bushbury, for example, we have consolidated two existing, but outdated, surgeries operated by the same GP practice into a fabulous new facility. 

Our relationship with space and flexibility has remained a constant too, even in 2003, Bonnyrigg was designed to flex with the needs of the local area and it remains in good use today for that reason. 

But, if you were to visit Bonnyrigg and our brand new Prestbury Medical Centre – putting aside the fact they’re 270 miles apart, you would notice there is a key difference. 

In part, this is because one has already served tens of thousands of patients and the other still has the plastic wrap on, but also, we have had the benefit of 20 years of insight, consistent innovation and feedback from our customers and clinicians.

Some of the biggest lessons we've learned concern sustainability, both during construction and whilst buildings are in use. Crucial for the future of the planet and a big part of the national health equation, we lead for a sustainable future. 

We’ve captured these learnings in our Net Zero Carbon Design Guide which went live last month, converting experience into action. Its guidance has been adopted across all of our live projects and we are working to decarbonise our operations entirely by 2040. 

Furthermore, our ‘Design for Everyone’ approach demonstrates our insight and understanding of those who use our buildings and how the space can make patients feel welcome – especially those that are neuro-divergent, experiencing low-moods or high-anxiety or living with conditions such as dementia or autism.

We’ve found that enabling the right partners is of paramount importance to the success of a project. We work with specialist design consultants who fully understand the NHS and its requirements. Our new consultant framework ensures that we work with best in-class operators with strong ESG credentials that mirror our own – meaning the social impact of the Assura Community Fund can be brought to as many people as possible. 

We consider the NHS to be our partner for the long-term. The NHS’ practitioners call our buildings home and as their demands change, we move to accommodate them.

Any effective partnership has to be a two-way street, so we also make sure to contribute our own understandings of communities, modern practice and design in every project we deliver. We want to make great places for the invaluable NHS staff to work and to prosper, and we are involved in a unique study into workforce benefits and digital inclusion at our Winchester project, which is currently under construction. 

While it has taken 20 years to reach 100 completions, we’re certain it won't take as long to hit the next century. Assura is committed to learning in every one of our projects, applying those lessons and helping the NHS to achieve its goals and we’re excited to see what the future will bring for existing buildings as well as the new ones we continue to deliver. 


Six top tips for healthcare developers 

1.    Take time to understand your customers – clinicians and patients
2.    Learn on every job and allow space for self-reflection at the beginning, middle and end of each project – innovate continuously
3.    Surround yourself with a best-in-class design team that share your values in all business areas
4.    Remember to take a long-term view and deliver flexibility
5.    Be patient and take a ‘partnership’ approach with the NHS 
6.    Remember the purpose and why you're doing it – we BUILD for health.