Virtual Reality (VR) headsets are being used as part of the construction process of the new Baird Family Hospital and Anchor Centre, which will be located at the Foresterhill Health Campus. NHS Grampian staff are working with Graham construction to help shape how the new facility will look.

Using the VR headsets, the company will bring 20 of the 1,300 proposed rooms to life using VR technology. The clinicians will be able to view the rooms in 3D allowing them the opportunity to make suggested changes before the physical construction process begins. Theatre rooms and a neo-natal ITU bay are just some of the rooms that will be available to view.

Due to open in 2021, the facility will support and enhance the provision of clinical care using modern research methods and teaching facilities. It will include maternity, gynaecology, breast screening, and breast surgery services, as well as a neonatal unit, a centre for reproductive medicine, and an operating theatre suite.

NHS Staff Able to Inform Construction Using VR

Jackie Bremner, project director at NHS Grampian, said: “We are working with our Graham Construction and their design team to develop detailed plans for the new Baird Family Hospital and The Anchor Centre which is due to open in 2021.

“To assist us with the design of some of the more complex clinical rooms, we have commissioned Graham Construction to develop 3D virtual reality models of around 20 complex rooms including an operating room, treatment rooms, a neonatal ITU bay, as well as a patient bedroom and en-suite.

“During three days this week doctors, nurses, and other key members of staff have been using the VR technology to inform the design of key rooms. This work is ongoing and will continue during the remainder of the design development phase.”

Victoria Cheevers, a member of Graham’s digital team, said: “We use the HTC VR headset and tailor it to each individual project the company gets. The company has been working with NHS Grampian on visuals for a VR experience.

“We want to make places in their facility, such as birthing rooms and operating spaces, seem as realistic as possible with our software.”