Design HOPES (Healthy Organisations in a Place-based Ecosystem, Scotland)
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Strathclyde
Department Name: Design Manufacture and Engineering Man
Abstract
Climate change is the biggest global health threat of the 21st century. The more we ignore the climate emergency the bigger the impact will be on health and the need for care with poor environmental health contributing to major diseases, including cardiac problems, asthma and cancer. Many of the actions to mitigate and adapt to climate change and improve environmental sustainability also have positive health benefits; the Lancet Commission has described tackling climate change as "the greatest global health opportunity of the 21st century". The challenges faced present an incredible opportunity to do things differently - to take a design-led approach in designing and making through high-reward demonstrator projects to help transform the health ecosystem. Through wider public engagement we aim to advance societal understanding of design's impact, and the opportunities, barriers, behaviour changes and tools needed to transition to a green approach. This research will unite a wide range of disciplines, research organisations, regional and local industry, and other public sector stakeholders, with policy-makers. The Design HOPES Green Transition Ecosystem (GTE) Hub will sustain a phased long-term investment to embed design-led innovation, circularity, sustainability and impact for the changing market, across product, service, strategy, policy and social drivers to evolve future design outcomes that matter to the people and planet.
Our research is organised around seven core Thematic Workstreams, based on the NHS Scotland Climate Emergency and Sustainability Strategy (2022-2026). Design HOPES will be delivered and managed by interdisciplinary teams with significant expertise in design and making, co-creation, health and social care, with professionals with a sustainability remit, and businesses working in the design economy. Design HOPES encompasses a rich disciplinary mix of knowledge, skills, and expertise from a range of design disciplines (i.e., product, textile, interaction, games, architecture etc.) and other disciplines (computer science, health and wellbeing, geography, engineering, etc.) that will be focused on people and planet (including all living things), from the micro to macro, from root cause to hopeful vision, from the present to the future, and from the personal to the wider system. Design HOPES will design and make things and test them to see how they work, which will help more ideas and things emerge. The Hub will be an inclusive, safe, collaborative space that will bring in multiple and marginalised perspectives and view its projects as one part of a wider movement for transformational change whilst not overlooking existing assets and how we can re-use, nurture and develop these sustainably.
Design HOPES aims to be an internationally recognised centre of excellence, promoting and embedding best practice through our collaborative design-led thinking and making approaches to build a more equitable and sustainable health and social care system. We will create new opportunities to support both existing services and new design-led health innovations in collaboration with NHS Boards across Scotland, the Scottish Government, patient and public representatives, health and social care partners, the third sector, academia and industry. Our seven Thematic Workstreams and associated projects will deliver a rich mix of tangible outcomes such as new innovative products, services, and policies (e.g., sustainable theatre consumables, packaging, clothing, waste services, etc.) during the funded period. With award-winning commercialisation and entrepreneurial support from the collaborating universities, we will also look to create new "green' enterprises and businesses. We will achieve this internationally recognised centre of excellence using design-led thinking and making to build a more equitable and sustainable health and social care system.
Our research is organised around seven core Thematic Workstreams, based on the NHS Scotland Climate Emergency and Sustainability Strategy (2022-2026). Design HOPES will be delivered and managed by interdisciplinary teams with significant expertise in design and making, co-creation, health and social care, with professionals with a sustainability remit, and businesses working in the design economy. Design HOPES encompasses a rich disciplinary mix of knowledge, skills, and expertise from a range of design disciplines (i.e., product, textile, interaction, games, architecture etc.) and other disciplines (computer science, health and wellbeing, geography, engineering, etc.) that will be focused on people and planet (including all living things), from the micro to macro, from root cause to hopeful vision, from the present to the future, and from the personal to the wider system. Design HOPES will design and make things and test them to see how they work, which will help more ideas and things emerge. The Hub will be an inclusive, safe, collaborative space that will bring in multiple and marginalised perspectives and view its projects as one part of a wider movement for transformational change whilst not overlooking existing assets and how we can re-use, nurture and develop these sustainably.
Design HOPES aims to be an internationally recognised centre of excellence, promoting and embedding best practice through our collaborative design-led thinking and making approaches to build a more equitable and sustainable health and social care system. We will create new opportunities to support both existing services and new design-led health innovations in collaboration with NHS Boards across Scotland, the Scottish Government, patient and public representatives, health and social care partners, the third sector, academia and industry. Our seven Thematic Workstreams and associated projects will deliver a rich mix of tangible outcomes such as new innovative products, services, and policies (e.g., sustainable theatre consumables, packaging, clothing, waste services, etc.) during the funded period. With award-winning commercialisation and entrepreneurial support from the collaborating universities, we will also look to create new "green' enterprises and businesses. We will achieve this internationally recognised centre of excellence using design-led thinking and making to build a more equitable and sustainable health and social care system.
Organisations
- University of Strathclyde (Lead Research Organisation)
- ClimateXChange (Collaboration)
- The British Academy (Collaboration)
- Haddenham Healthcare Ltd (Project Partner)
- Pure Water International (Project Partner)
- NHS Highland (Project Partner)
- Schofield Dyers & Finishers (Project Partner)
- Talk Lipoedema (Project Partner)
- Ninewells Hospital (Project Partner)
- Scottish Communities CAN (Project Partner)
- Victoria and Albert Museum Dundee (Project Partner)
- The Service Design Academy (Project Partner)
- NHS Education for Scotland (NES) (Project Partner)
- CITY OF GLASGOW COLLEGE (Project Partner)
- SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT (Project Partner)
- Halley Stevensons (Project Partner)
- Ninewells Hospital (Project Partner)
- Michelin Scotland Innovation Parc (Project Partner)
- NHS Scotland Centre for Sustainability (Project Partner)
- NHS NATIONAL SERVICES SCOTLAND (Project Partner)
- British Council (Project Partner)
Publications
A. Rodgers P
(2024)
What does design research do?
Dunn N
(2023)
Flourish by Design
Inns T
(2024)
Patient Ecosystem Mapping ( PEM ): Supporting System-Shifting in Healthcare
in Design Management Journal
| Title | Cultivating Wellbeing |
| Description | Kit for NHS staff to grow herbs at home. |
| Type Of Art | Artefact (including digital) |
| Year Produced | 2024 |
| Impact | Pilot study conducted with NHS 24 staff to encourage socialisation, wellbeing and nature-connectedness. Scaled up implementation with NHS 24 and NHS Tayside under way. |
| Title | Design HOPES Introduction Film |
| Description | A 3 minutes 34 seconds film outlining the aims and ambitions of Design HOPES and introducing some of the research team from across the collaborating universities and NHS Scotland health boards. |
| Type Of Art | Film/Video/Animation |
| Year Produced | 2024 |
| Impact | The film has reached a wide audience, which has helped stimulate significant interest across various relevant stakeholder groups in Scotland and further afield. The film has contributed to changes in public attitudes, perceptions and behaviour relating to the health of the planet and the health of its people. |
| URL | https://designhopes.org/ |
| Title | Design HOPES: Stories of Hope |
| Description | Design HOPES: Stories of Hope is a film that was created and exhibited at the Design HOPES 'Work in Progress' exhibition at the V&A Dundee that opened from 6 December 2024 to 23 February 2025. During this time over 25,000 people visited the exhibition. |
| Type Of Art | Film/Video/Animation |
| Year Produced | 2024 |
| Impact | This film was exhibited at the Design HOPES 'Work in Progress' exhibition at the V&A Dundee from 6 December 2024 to 23 February 2025. Visitor numbers during this period reached in excess of 25,000 people. The Stories of Hope film has helped stimulate significant interest across various relevant stakeholder groups in Scotland and further afield. The film has led to changes in public attitudes, perceptions and behaviour relating to the health of the planet and the health of its people, particularly in NHS Scotland. |
| URL | https://designhopes.org/ |
| Title | Mosaic Landscapes |
| Description | Mosaic Landscapes is a stakeholder engagement tool that allows users to interact and articulate their requirements with regards to shared greenspaces for health and wellbeing. |
| Type Of Art | Artefact (including digital) |
| Year Produced | 2024 |
| Impact | Exhibition at V&A Dundee to raise public awareness, then a series of workshops with different user groups to help facilitate community engagement. |
| Title | Plant-based Reusable Theatre Caps |
| Description | Members of the Design HOPES team have designed in close collaboration with NHS Scotland staff Scotland's first plant-based reusable theatre caps. The project is focused on unique plant-based biodegradable caps, co-designed by researchers at Design HOPES and The Golden Jubilee University Hospital, in Clydebank, near Glasgow. The theatre cap implementation is part of the wider Design HOPES project funded by the Arts and Humanities fund. Design HOPES was recently awarded more than £4.6M by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) as one of four Green Transition Ecosystem (GTE) Hubs in the UK. Their overall aim is to address distinct challenges related to the climate crisis including, such as realising net zero goals. The newly designed hospital caps are biodegradable and made from plant-based cellulosic fibre. They are colour-coded for staff in different roles and at different levels of seniority, to aid with identifiability in busy clinical environments - a benefit for staff and patients alike. Led by University of Strathclyde and Heriot-Watt University, the AHRC funded project has created these sustainable caps in a trial batch to address hospital medical waste and help tackle environmental challenges in healthcare. Two of the professors heading up the project are Paul Rodgers, Professor of Design at University of Strathclyde, and Dr Euan Winton, Assistant Professor of Design at Heriot-Watt University. |
| Type Of Art | Artefact (including digital) |
| Year Produced | 2025 |
| Impact | The impacts of this plant-based reusable theatre cap artefact are as follows: 1. The reusable theatre caps eliminate single-use disposal theatre caps entirely. 2. The reusable theatre caps will save NHS boards money in the long term. 3. The reusable theatre caps increase patient safety. 4. The reusable theatre caps contribute to enhanced staff communication and eliminate misidentification through the addition of clear name and role (on the front of the cap). 5. The reusable theatre caps (if manufactured in Scotland) will create new green jobs for the Scottish economy. In summary, the innovative reusable theatre caps have clear environmental, social (new green jobs), and economic impact. |
| URL | https://designhopes.org/ |
| Title | V&A Dundee Work in Progress Exhibition |
| Description | Design HOPES is working with NHS Scotland as part of the AHRC and Future Observatory Green Transition Ecosystems programme. Using design-led research and collaborative working, they are identifying barriers and opportunities around meaningful change. Exploring the idea that the climate emergency is a health emergency, Design HOPES are creating, prototyping and testing the tools, behaviours and systems needed to meet, and move beyond, urgent Net Zero goals. This work-in-progress display marks an exciting milestone in the first year of Design HOPES, giving an insight on the people, processes and progress of this transformational initiative, and asks 'How can design help us live healthier lives, for people and planet?' |
| Type Of Art | Artistic/Creative Exhibition |
| Year Produced | 2024 |
| Impact | The V&A Dundee Work in Progress Exhibition has attracted over 50,000 visitors between 6 December 2024 and 23 March 2025. The exhibition has also included a series of events and workshops related to design-led interventions that aim to support NHS Scotland's transition to net zero. |
| URL | https://www.vam.ac.uk/dundee/whatson/events/design-hopes?srsltid=AfmBOoo9K3ETideUBb7sncTq9PKExYNe_jq... |
| Description | It is still early in Design HOPES, but we have already achieved some notable outcomes. We have utilised design-led research to address a number of significant green transition challenges in innovative and design-led collaborative ways across NHS Scotland contexts. This has included the design and development of a range of new product, service, strategy and policy design interventions in response to real-world issues. These new product, service, strategy and policy design interventions now require further development and testing as we move forward into the final 6 months of phase one funding. We have also realised measurable, green transition change across NHS Scotland with the promise of real-world benefits and impact moving forward. We continue to catalyse and foster opportunities for social, cultural, environmental, and economic impact of our design research-led interventions across the Design HOPES portfolio. Through our extensive collaboration and public engagement activities, we have enabled and supported a rich diversity of voices and perspectives in the design and development of Design HOPES' green-transition interventions. This has included NHS Scotland staff such as surgeons, nurses, catering staff, porters, and other allied health professionals as well as users, publics, next generation design talent, and underserved communities. All of this activist has helped us to create opportunities to build capacity and capability in design research for green transition challenges across and beyond NHS Scotlland's health and social care ecosystem. |
| Exploitation Route | We have co-designed and co-developed (and continue to) a range of innovative product, service, strategy and policy design interventions in response to real-world issues faced across NHS Scotland. We have also created a range of innovative design methods and tools in our work thus far that can be taken forward, implemented, and built upon by others. Our Design HOPES work will continue to develop these new products, services, and systems with the aim of roll-out across NHS Scotland in the years ahead. |
| Sectors | Communities and Social Services/Policy Creative Economy Digital/Communication/Information Technologies (including Software) Energy Environment Healthcare Leisure Activities including Sports Recreation and Tourism Government Democracy and Justice Manufacturing including Industrial Biotechology Culture Heritage Museums and Collections Pharmaceuticals and Medical Biotechnology Transport |
| URL | https://designhopes.org |
| Description | Design HOPES' design-led research has responded (and continues to respond) to significant green transition challenges via innovative, design-led collaborative ways. To date, Design HOPES researchers have co-designed and developed a range of new products, services, strategy and policy design in response to real-world issues faced by NHS Scotland. Our Design HOPES researchers have produced real, measurable, green transition change across NHS Scotland, relevant sectors and publics that will achieve real-world benefits and impact including social, cultural, environmental, and economic impact. For example, Design HOPES' ongoing plant-based reusable theatre caps project is delivering real environmental, social, and economic impact. |
| First Year Of Impact | 2024 |
| Sector | Creative Economy,Healthcare |
| Impact Types | Cultural Societal Economic Policy & public services |
| Description | Design Policy Interface Working Group First Meeting |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Policy Influence Type | Influenced training of practitioners or researchers |
| Impact | The session explore where members connect with policy or policy activities and what were the challenges or enablers linked to these. A synthesis of the discussion and a resource repository was created by members and is continually updated. Open source |
| URL | https://www.linkedin.com/posts/jenniferraowilliams_designhopes-futureobservatory-ahrc-activity-72418... |
| Description | Design and development of sustainable mobility aids |
| Amount | £14,973 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 09/2024 |
| End | 02/2025 |
| Description | Designing for biodiversity: new practices for the Scottish tea growing industry |
| Amount | £102,034 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Arts & Humanities Research Council (AHRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 02/2025 |
| End | 02/2026 |
| Description | 'Meeting of the Minds' for net zero governance, British Academy, London |
| Organisation | The British Academy |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Prof Mel Woods participated in an invite-only event. This knowledge exchange session brought together SHAPE researchers working on net zero governance, in a scenario exercise as a vehicle for sharing insight, setting agendas and reflecting on the connecting role of governance across a range of research areas. The format was interactive and designed to encourage exchange of evidence and latest thinking, focusing on the interests of a policy audience. Participants were asked to consider some of the tough policy questions and factors facing policymakers today, bringing both together to discuss recommendations on the way forward. |
| Collaborator Contribution | The British Academy designed and led the session, based ongoing dialogue with government. |
| Impact | The Net Zero Governance Programme marshals SHAPE research to explore how improving the quality of governance can contribute to achieving net zero by 2050 in the UK. It aims to clearly articulate why governance matters for an effective system of net zero delivery; and examine how good quality, people-centred & place-sensitive, multi-level governance can provide the tools to effectively direct, oversee and create accountability for reaching net zero. |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | ClimateXChange Workshop |
| Organisation | ClimateXChange |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| PI Contribution | Members of the Design HOPES team organised and ran a 'Glasgow's Future Net Zero Hospitals' Scenario Workshop at ClimateXChange's Climate Horizon 2040 Conference, held at the Edinburgh Climate Change Institute, University of Edinburgh on Tuesday 4 February 2025. ClimateXChange is Scotland's centre of expertise on climate change. www.climatexchange.org.uk @climatexchange Podcast: Evidence for climate policy in Scotland |
| Collaborator Contribution | ClimateXChange Workshop (Tuesday 4 February 2025) Co-Designing Glasgow's Future 'Net Zero' Hospitals Description This workshop will explore how NHS Scotland's hospitals in Glasgow can transition to Net Zero by 2040. As key public institutions, hospitals can serve as models for broader Net Zero adoption. Participants will engage in a creative, interactive session to reimagine how the city's health and social care infrastructure can become sustainable while maintaining high care standards. The focus will be on sustainable energy, green spaces, transport, and waste management infrastructures, aiming to create a vision for Glasgow's sustainable health system in 2040. Proposed Format The workshop will adopt a co-design approach, combining group discussions and hands-on 3D model-making with easy-to-use media and tools including plasticine. Small teams will focus on different aspects of Glasgow's health and social care services, using large printed maps (2.5m x 1.5m) to design speculative sustainable interventions, such as renewable energy systems, electric vehicle charging stations, and waste management solutions. Session Structure (45 minutes) • Context Setting: A Design HOPES presentation highlighting Glasgow's healthcare carbon footprint, energy use, waste practices, and the need for hospitals to lead in the net-zero transition, referencing NHS Scotland's Sustainability Strategy (2022 - 2026) (5 minutes) • Group Mapping Activity: Teams will co-design net-zero interventions (e.g., energy-efficient buildings, green spaces, and circular economy practices) 'building' future net-zero health and social care infrastructures and integrating them into the city (30 minutes) • Discussion and Reflection: Each group will present their designs, discussing their impact on both environmental and public health and provide clear rationale for their decision making (10 minutes) How the Session Will Address Key Issues? By reimagining Glasgow as a future global leader in the net-zero transition, this workshop will co-create speculative sustainable futures for healthcare infrastructures, contributing to the city's broader environmental goals and inspire action at a governmental level. • Sustainable Healthcare Infrastructure: Exploring energy-efficient building design, renewable energy, and energy-saving systems. • Green Spaces and Patient Well-Being: Considering how green spaces can improve health outcomes and support net-zero goals. • Waste Management: Discussing circular economy practices to reduce waste and increase recycling. • Sustainable Transport: Exploring models for reducing carbon emissions from hospital transport. • Environmental Justice: Ensuring that a net-zero healthcare system benefits all communities, particularly those in deprived areas. Relevance to Scottish Policy This workshop aligns with Scotland's Climate Change Act 2009, which sets Net Zero targets by 2045, and NHS Scotland's Sustainability Strategy. It also supports the National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4), promoting sustainable development across all sectors, including healthcare. Session Length The workshop will last 45 minutes, including mapping activities, discussions, and reflections. Workshop Requirements We need the following resources for the day: • Three Tables (size circa 2.5m x 1.5m). • Three Maps (we will supply). • Plasticine (we will supply). • 33 participants each map; 5 focus areas (see above) each map; 6 to 7 members in each focus area. • Each focus area (e.g., Sustainable Transport) needs to negotiate and collaborate with the other 4 focus areas on their map. We will write a 1-to-2-page summary report of the activity with supporting photos and images post event for dissemination to all workshop participants. Session Facilitators Professor Paul Rodgers https://www.strath.ac.uk/staff/rodgerspaulprofessor/ Dr Lewis Urquhart https://www.strath.ac.uk/staff/urquhartlewis_william_robertmr/ |
| Impact | Workshop materials |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | Creativity, Sustainability and the Arts and Humanities |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | This event examined the impact of arts and humanities research initiatives on a range of sustainability issues - including sustainability in healthcare, heritage and conservation - and explore how the relationship between research, sustainability, and policy can be further developed in the future. Chaired by Professor Sarah Skerratt, Chief Executive of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, the event included presentations from the researchers behind these innovative initiatives, followed by a drinks reception where researchers, funders, policymakers and cultural organisations can meet and discuss future projects and priorities Speakers included: Design HOPES | Led by Co-Directors Prof Mel Woods and Prof Paul Rodgers at the Universities of Dundee and Strathclyde, this project is improving sustainability in healthcare through design-led thinking and making. The project is developing a range of innovative methods, products, services, and policies that will support urgent Net Zero goals for a sustainable health and social care system. Centre for Robert Burns Studies (CRBS) | CRBS is the world's leading centre for the study of Scotland's national poet Robert Burns (1759-96), his contexts and associated literatures. Since its foundation in 2007, the Centre has established itself as a cross-disciplinary area of research excellence which has attracted major financial and intellectual investment. Engine Shed | Scotland's dedicated building conservation centre is embedding creativity, digital innovation, and sustainability across Historic Environment Scotland's research activity. This event was organised by the Scottish Arts and Humanities Alliance, the Arts and Humanities Research Council and the School of Advanced Study at the University of London. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://www.sas.ac.uk/news-events/news/creativity-sustainability-arts-humanities |
| Description | Design HOPES @ BEYOND Conference |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Design HOPES Co-Directors gave a presentation entitled "Design HOPES: Health Beyond Net Zero" at the BEYOND Conference at the MediaCity, Salford (25 to 27 November 2024). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XOZGq3e6lWE |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://beyondconference.org/ |
| Description | Design HOPES @ Health Innovation and Research Alliance NI (HIRANI) Health Tech Spring Conference |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Professor Paul Rodgers presented the latest Design HOPES research at the two-day Health Innovation and Research Alliance NI (HIRANI) Health Tech Spring Conference in Belfast. With local and global partners, the HIRANI conference focused on two strands: (1) digital ecosystems to integrate diagnostics and therapeutics; and (2) community people-centred design to accelerate innovation and adoption of health technology. Following on from a sold-out summit last year, HIRANI expanded the event into a two-day conference which included a "Life Sciences, Life Support" event for businesses who provide support services to the life science industry. With Innovation zones and pitching events, global keynotes and local thought leaders, Health Tech Spring promises to be an iconic conference hosted in the Titanic Building. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://hira-ni.com/event/health-tech-spring-conference/ |
| Description | Design HOPES Catalysing Opportunities |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | In partnership with BioDundee and Tay Cities Digital Ecosystem a panel explored key questions for innovation. Welcome & Chair: Professor Mel Woods, University of Dundee. Panel Members: Dr Chris Lim, University of Dundee, Cheryl Torano, Abertay CyberQuarter, Professor Michael MacDonald, University of Dundee, Steven Elder, Systal Tech |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2025 |
| Description | Design HOPES Design Sprint 1 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Study participants or study members |
| Results and Impact | Design HOPES (Healthy Organisations in a Place-based Ecosystem, Scotland) Design Sprint 1 explored mapping and prioritisation of projects that will form a key aspect of the Design HOPES ecosystem. Participants worked on a range of design-led activities to understand better the key challenges, which involved engaging with people who are affected directly by the issues such as health professionals and other members of the wider eco-system. Design HOPES (Healthy Organisations in a Place-based Ecosystem, Scotland) Design Sprint 1 dived deeper to map and prioritise the diverse set of projects that will form a core component of the Design HOPES ecosystem. Participants created a series of 3D Project Cards and positioned them on a "fictional" Design HOPES ecosystem map that included a number of "fictional" barriers and obstacles (e.g., future dragons, archipelago of energy, etc.) to identify and define meta themes (e.g., energy, waste, people, etc.), and areas of overlap, collaboration potential, etc. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Design HOPES Design Sprint 2 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Design HOPES Design Sprint 2 was held at the Norie-Miller Studio, Perth Theatre and Concert Hall, Mill Street, Perth on 12 and 13 March, 2024. The aims of Design Sprint 2 were to develop Design HOPES individual projects' Theory of Change with case studies, development of Design HOPES toolkit for design-led and NHS evaluation methods and tools, 7 x 7 Thematic Pecha Kucha overview and progress, Theme-led bespoke workshop session. The Design Sprint 2 was attended by 62 participants, including Design HOPES researchers, AHRC, Future Observatory, Design Museum, London, Scottish Government, SME's, and NHS Scotland staff. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Design HOPES Design Sprint 3 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | The Design HOPES team organised and facilitated Design Sprint 3 on 28 and 29 March, 2024 at the NHS Golden Jubilee, Glasgow Clydebank. The aims of the two-day sprint included progressing through the Design Council Systemic Design Framework and providing a recap of the Explore, Reframe and centring on the Create which is about generating different actions and ideas that help people reimagine what might be possible. The Sprint was attended by 67 participants, including presentations from Ness Wright (Sniffer), Prof. Peter Culmer, Leeds University and Katie Boag, Leeds Institute of Medical Education, Wendy Rayner, Head of Circular Economy NHS Scotland, Scottish Government, Design HOPES researchers, SME's, and NHS Scotland staff. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://discovery.dundee.ac.uk/en/activities/designhopes-design-sprint-3-create |
| Description | Design HOPES ENGAGE Event |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | This event provides an opportunity to learn more about Design HOPES and to engage with, and help inform, our two new Communities of Practice. We are bringing together a community of NHS staff, academics working in design, health and sustainability, designers, users of the NHS, carers, the third-sector, and members of the policy-making community - to share knowledge and insights across the fields of sustainable healthcare and design, building connections and community around these pressing challenges. Design HOPES (Healthy Organisations in a Place-based Ecosystem, Scotland) is a transdisciplinary research project which exploits the potential of design-led thinking and making, to tackle multifaceted health delivery challenges which meet urgent Net Zero goals for a sustainable health and social care system. Community of Practice (CoP) workshop participants will have the ability to shape the direction and ways of working of the CoP's through co-creating their own Terms of Reference - This workshop will explore three initial key areas to drive impactful change for Green Futures Storytelling and Design Policy Interface: What are the key challenges on each topic and why? What is one key individual, organisation, or initiative that these topics should engage with? What would motivate you to join a Working Group on these topics? |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://www.engage.strath.ac.uk/event/1088 |
| Description | Design HOPES GTE Hub V&A Dundee Launch |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Design HOPES (Healthy Organisations in a Place-based Ecosystem, Scotland) has been awarded one of four £4.625M Green Transition Ecosystem (GTE) investments from the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC), part of UK Research and Innovation which is funded by the UK Government. Green Transition Ecosystems (GTEs) are large-scale projects that focus on translating the best design-led research into real-world benefits. GTEs are the flagship funding strand of the £25m Future Observatory: Design the Green Transition programme, funded by the AHRC and delivered in partnership with the Design Museum. The launch event, hosted by the V&A Dundee, included a series of talks from the Design HOPES team and other stakeholders. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Design HOPES Invited Lecture (part of Queensland University of Technology, "Design for Change: Malaysia & Singapore 2024 Sustainability in Healthcare" Project |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Queensland University of Technology Design HOPES lecture (part of Design for Change: Malaysia & Singapore 2024 Sustainability in Healthcare project, 10 June 2024. The International Design for Change Symposium/Study Tour is a collaborative endeavour, proudly brought forth by renowned institutions such as the School of Design at Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Taylor's University Malaysia, Nanyang Polytechnic Singapore, the Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Services UAE (MBRU), Monash University Australia, University of Technology Sydney (UTS), University of Canberra Australia, and the School of X, Design Singapore Council. This exceptional platform is dedicated to tackling real-world sustainability challenges in healthcare through innovative design methodologies in close collaboration with industry leaders and healthcare organisations. The symposium format will include four distinct sessions, each featuring four in-person/Video presenters/speakers followed by Q&A panel discussions. The session titles are as follows: Session 1: Policy Session 2: Sustainability Challenges Session 3: Design Processes/Case Studies Session 4: Educational Approaches Following the symposium, a select group of over 100 student participants from the above institutions embarked on a collaborative, cross-disciplinary, multinational, and multicultural study tour. Their mission was to formulate solutions across various domains, including product design, built environment, digital systems, awareness campaigns, service design, behaviour change initiatives, and transport design, all geared towards fostering sustainability in healthcare. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://www.youtube.com/live/AL66aJ3M-CA |
| Description | Design HOPES Reusable Theatre Caps Co-Design Workshops |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Working closely with NHS Golden Jubilee theatre staff we have co-designed reusable and sustainable options for reducing theatre waste (e.g. circa 155,000 single use theatre caps/ year across the NHS Golden Jubilee hospital) whilst improving staff communication and comfort. This work aims to reduce theatre consumables' waste and address communication barriers between staff wearing full theatre PPE. This innovative work seeks to understand the current use of disposable single-use theatre caps and to co-design and develop a more eco-friendly and reusable theatre cap. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023,2024,2025 |
| URL | https://designhopes.org/ |
| Description | Design HOPES Workshop @ The ALLIANCE Annual Conference - "Our Voice, Our Rights, Our Future", 1 May 2024 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | Members of the Design HOPES team organised and facilitated a workshop entitled - "Environmentally Sustainable Care: The effects of climate change on health and social care" at the ALLIANCE annual conference (2024). The workshop explored how "good health and social care can be environmentally sustainable care". The Scottish government has pledged to be a net zero nation by 2045, and the health and social care sector has a responsibility in reducing our carbon footprint and supporting sustainable innovation. We also recognise that climate change undermines many social determinants of health, contributing to increasing rates of health conditions and putting pressure on care systems. This session will give an overview of the challenges we are facing within climate action, as well as the current solutions and innovations being developed to emphasis prevention and develop low-carbon alternatives. This session is for people interested in: · An overview of the challenges within climate action and the contribution of the health and social care sector to climate change. · Climate innovation and solutions in the health and social care system. · Understanding how health of the planet is inherently linked to our health and wellbeing. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://www.gov.scot/binaries/content/documents/govscot/publications/foi-eir-release/2024/07-d/foi-2... |
| Description | Design HOPES: Key Questions panel event at V&A Dundee |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Design HOPES researchers and representatives from our collaborating partner organisations took part in "deep dive" discussions to explore five of our key questions at the intersection of healthy people and a healthy planet. This session invited the audience to explore specific aspects of Design HOPES' research with colleagues from seven thematic areas - sustainable buildings and land, sustainable travel, sustainable products and services, sustainable care, sustainable communities, sustainable digital design, and sustainable exploratory projects. Agenda Welcome (Paul Rodgers & Mel Woods) Part 1 Panel, Lisa Macintyre, Niki Taylor, Stuart Galloway, Lucy Welsh, Fraser Bruce Part 2 Panel, Sonia Oliveira, Marc Demulliez, Gregor White, Andrew Wodehouse, Laura Maclean |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Exhibit an initial prototype of printed circuit for 'Heat the Human' as an exploratory project, in the V&A Dundee. |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | This work is part of an exhibition organised by the Design HOPES project, led by Prof. Paul Rogers and Prof. Mel Woods. It originates from the Heat the Human project, which is included with the Design HOPES. Our goal is to gather insights form visitors, who are carers, professional practitioners, students and the general public, on various aspects such as potential areas for improvement and the visual and tactile confirm of the printed circuit. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Explorathon (Riverside Museum, Glasgow) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | A workshop using herbal teas to explore the environmental impact of food and drink held at the Riverside Museum in Glasgow for school pupils.. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Festival of Social Science: Perspectives of Care Workshop |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Co-design workshop exploring how Glasgow citizens understand the concept of 'care' was conducted at the Forge Shopping Centre, Glasgow from 13 to 14 November 2023. Activities included the creation of a 3D care map of Glasgow, 3-chapter book of care, portraits of care, care tote bags and a diagram of care. Research team included Design HOPES' Prof Paul Rodgers, Madeleine Rooney, and Dr Lewis Urquhart with others. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Flow Seminar and Workshop |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Member of the Design HOPES team, including Prof Gregor White, Stuart Anderson, Fraser Simpson, Mr Rod Mountain, Jennifer Rao Williams and Lauren Bloor and Sustainable Digital Design, hosted representatives from the Flow Navigation Center at Ninewells Hospital and representatives from NHS Scotland including leaders from Unscheduled Care, NHS 24, Scottish Ambulance Service and GP Sevices. The FLOW Seminar undertook two workshops. Professor Tom Inns and Prof Mel Woods led the first session, Value Chain Mapping Exercise - A collaborative co-design session to identify ways in which efficiencies and improved decision making will reduce resource expenditure in the systems, to validate the patient flow model developed by theme 6 in partnership with the Flow Navigation Centre. The second session led by Dr Chris Lowthorpe from the Applied Games Lab, focussed on identifying crucial elements of the flow system where design interventions might deliver high impact efficiencies to improve patient journeys and deliver reductions in resource expenditure. The seminar was attended by a group of design interns to prototype serious game designs. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Green Futures Storytelling Workshop 1 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | This workshop started with exploring what best practices and frameworks can we create and use to share our stories to the right audience, at the right time, in the right way (format)? There has never been so many people 'around the table', sharing stories, as there are in this era. How can we empower people to share their own stories, hear from the seldom-heard? When was the last time YOU shared a story? Who did you share to, how, where, what situation? With regard to projects, academic and otherwise, it would be good to understand best practices, strategies, methods in order to engage with the communities the project is working with, and also to manage the negative noise that sometimes occurs. The stories we plan to share, focused within this context of sustainability and NHS Scotland, are intended to create change - in behaviour, in policies, in hope. How can we best do this? Anecdotes & thick descriptions Our writing exercise encouraged the sharing of an anecdote which gave more meaning and context to an artefact or event. The idea being to go beyond the data, the item, to understand the deeper and more meaningful concept through shared anecdotes, or "thick descriptions". Laura shared a story about her Crocs footwear which showed the different aspects, roles, and perspectives within her life. David shared a story about someone who had collected items over the years which had meaning at the time however now, in their later years, it had become 'clutter' and this person now felt a prisoner within his collections. When we are sharing stories, we are hoping to evoke a reaction, an emotion, a challenge, a change. By telling stories that others can relate to we open up possibilities for all of these. By sharing relatable stories we can help people understand us, our research, the world a little better. With the Design HOPES project we are looking at how we can find and share stories which will encourage hope, change, and help NHS Scotland towards NetZero. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://sway.cloud.microsoft/UpQU3JHWZyoht5yT?ref=Link |
| Description | Green Futures Storytelling Workshop No. 1 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Green Futures Storytelling is a Community of Practice (CoP) working group focused on sharing and promoting examples of good practice in the health and social care space through the power of storytelling. This group brings together individuals who are passionate about creating a more sustainable future for health, social care, and NHS Scotland, and who believe in the impact of compelling narratives to inspire change. The primary aim of Green Futures Storytelling is to enable its members to create and disseminate powerful narratives that can educate, motivate, and mobilise people towards more sustainable practices. By pooling our knowledge and creativity, members contribute to a growing body of work that not only raises awareness but also inspires concrete actions for a greener future. In essence, Green Futures Storytelling is a vibrant, collaborative space where storytellers, from the experienced to the novice, who are dedicated to sustainability, come together to learn, share, and drive effective change through the art of storytelling. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2025 |
| URL | https://designhopes.org |
| Description | Interactive Pop-up Installation at Ninewells Hospital, Dundee, UK. |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | In the early stages of the project, we set-up a pop-up installation at Ninewells Hospital to engage with healthcare professionals, raise awareness, and gather new leads. Approx. 60+ healthcare professionals from across NHS Tayside engaged with the pop-up. This physical space allowed us to understand barriers and challenges related to Net Zero, as well as generate ideas and actions for the project. We used interactive features to facilitate conversations and capture valuable insights. For instance, we elicited staff opinions on workplace sustainability through playful and engaging methods, including using counters made from plastic waste to gather responses. Based on our data, findings indicated challenges in pharmacy processes, medication management, staff behaviour, and equipment reuse. We also discovered numerous innovative ideas for visualising waste management, addressing upskilling and training needs, and empowering NHS staff to drive behavioural change. Fraser Bruce, University of Dundee Chris Lim, University of Dundee Vicky Tully, NHS Tayside Millie Stevenson, NHS Tayside |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Interactive Research Station at Ninewells Hospital, Dundee, UK. |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | An interactive research station was employed outside a hospital ward for a period of 1 week to garner feedback from a cross section of NHS staff on the Green Ward Toolkit Themes (e.g. sustainable travel, energy, procurement and waste) and actions to inspire action and behavioural change. The purpose of the activity was to help prioritise and refine themes for the next iteration of the toolkit. Project Team: Fraser Bruce, University of Dundee Chris Lim, University of Dundee Jack Fletcher, University of Dundee Vicky Tully, NHS Tayside Millie Stevenson, NHS Tayside Sam Donnelly, NHS Tayside |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Mounntainhall Treatment Centre Community Engagement |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Engagement activity with the local community to garner initial views on development of NHS greenspace. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Panel discussion at exhibition launch - V&A Dundee |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | I was part of a 4-person panel discussing our research activities and what we'd learned from research undertaken to date with Design HOPES, we were also asked to think about what we had missed so far, which prompted some really useful discussion about waste and re-use within the NHS. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Participation in a patient group workshop - Talk Lipoedema information coffee morning (Edinburgh) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Patients, carers and/or patient groups |
| Results and Impact | We launched our 'people with lipoedema' survey at this event, distributed leaflets with the QR code for our survey and encouraged people with lipoedema to complete the survey reporting on their experience. We also shared the link and purpose of our survey via the Talk Lipoedema website and newsletter, ultimately securing 373 valid responses. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Patient group consultation - at Talk Lipoedema support group (Dundee) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Patients, carers and/or patient groups |
| Results and Impact | Researchers attended one day of a 3 day support group event organised by our partner charity Talk Lipoedema. We had the opportunity to engage with people with lipoedema (not normally called patients but people with lipoedema have a medical condition affecting connective tissue and fat accumulation, that very commonly leads to mobility issues and depression, but many other complications too) and brand reps for compression garment companies supplying compression to people with lipoedema. We sought to establish key areas of concern around pressure garment satisfaction, fit, prescription and other problems impacting successful treatment. We used this enhanced understanding, alongside previous experience and literature, to draft a questionnaire to gather data on compression for people with lipoedema. This was the first of 3 workshops attended in relation to our work, the findings of which are currently under analysis and some preliminary findings have been exhibited at V&A Dundee from 5th December 2024 |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Presentation at conference Energy and Complexity |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | Energy & Complexity 2025: Towards a new complex-systems research agenda for a just energy transition This conference focused on the topic of energy systems and complexity (complex systems) science, and provided an opportunity to hear about the latest research and contribute to an updated research agenda for the field. . Attendees enjoyed opportunities to: Engage with the energy and complexity community; Hear from prominent academics and others engaged in using complexity science to address energy challenges ; Learn about new frameworks, perspectives, methods and application areas ; Connect with other researchers to develop future collaborative work ; Consider the impact of complexity perspectives on policy- and decision-making for energy futures ; Help us develop a research agenda for the intersection of these two fields. Abstract for submitted talk -Energy consumption is tied to multiple aspects of life in complex and interrelated ways, as such any move towards a just energy transition must engage with and operate within these complexities. There is a demonstrable connection between energy use and health, both in the way that energy use can impact health and how managing health can rely on certain energy use. When moving towards a just transition the impact decisions may have on population health and how that health is managed must be considered. While the connections between energy use and health are well discussed within built environment literature, how this relationship is understood by healthcare professionals is under researched. Understanding how healthcare professionals perceive energy use and how it influences health allows for informed policy recommendations to be made. It is a key component of working towards a joined-up system that allows for instrumental change to be made. The proposed talk will discuss insights from an AHRC funded project that examines healthcare professionals' views of energy use, its connection to patient health, and how it influences their practice. Through this research challenges have been uncovered into how these factors are considered within existing systems, and further highlights the necessity for joined up systems where the complexities of energy use and health can be appropriately tackled. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Realistic Medicine Conference 2024: Designing Realistic Journeys |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | The focus of the conference was on developing realistic journeys where we can make meaningful connections and deliver careful and kind care. We presented the Design HOPES initiative before focussing on the Green Ward Toolkit project. Approx.100 healthcare professionals were in attendance over the two facilitated workshop sessions. More specifically, the initial presentation provided an overview of local and global environmental challenges and the direct link to human health, as well as an introduction on how the Green Ward Toolkit is being developed to enable secondary care teams to rapidly reduce the environmental impact of healthcare in ward settings. This was followed by an interactive workshop which explored sustainable themes pertinent to the delivery of healthcare through a design-led approach and the sharing of experiences for improving sustainable practices to help shape the development of the Green Ward Toolkit. Requests made for further information on the project and possible future involvement. Presenters: Millie Stevenson, NHS Tayside & Fraser Bruce, University of Dundee. Workshop Facilitators: Fraser Bruce, University of Dundee Chris Lim, University of Dundee Jack Fletcher, University of Dundee Vicky Tully, NHS Tayside Millie Stevenson, NHS Tayside |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://www.meetdundeecityregion.co.uk/attending/conferences/realistic-medicine-2024 |
| Description | Reusable Theatre Cap Co-Design Workshop @ Royal Alexandra Hospital |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Members of the Design HOPES team ran a Reusable Theatre Cap Co-design workshop at the Royal Alexandra Hospital, Paisley with over 40 NHS Scotland theatre staff (including nurses, anaesthetists, and surgeons). The workshop lasted a half-day and involved theatre staff creating paper-based prototypes of their desired new theatre caps. The workshop also involved theatre staff listing what they liked and disliked about their current theatre caps and other garments. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Reusable Theatre Cap Co-Design Workshop @ University Hospital Hairmyres, East Kilbride |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Members of the Design HOPES team ran a Reusable Theatre Cap Co-design workshop at University Hospital Hairmyres, East Kilbride with over 40 NHS Scotland theatre staff (including nurses, anaesthetists, and surgeons). The workshop lasted a half-day and involved theatre staff creating paper-based prototypes of their desired new theatre caps. The workshop also involved theatre staff listing what they liked and disliked about their current theatre caps and other garments. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Scenario interventino interviews |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Over the period June 24 to Jan 25 a series of 13 interviews were undertaken as part of the preparation of a scenario thinking intervention of the future of transportation in the NHS Scotland for 2040. The interviewees were primarily sustainability managers in the NHS, some had planning and managerial positions, a small number of them was academics from relevant backgrounds and some were logistic suppliers to the NHS. For the interviews, a standard protocol was adopted asking 6 questions: i) 3 major issues for the future of transportation in the NHS Scotland 2040; ii) best outcomes for these major issues; iii) worst outcomes for these major issues; iv) big decisions to be made until 2040; v) history and landmark events with similar levels of uncertainty; vi) epitaph/personal future aspirations from this intervention. Transportation Challenges and Future Opportunities in NHS Scotland NHS Scotland faces significant transportation challenges, but these also present opportunities for innovation, sustainability, and efficiency. Transitioning to sustainable transportation is critical, with a focus on balancing net zero initiatives while avoiding over-reliance on petrol/diesel. Electric vehicles is an option which faces scepticism in some parts of the organisation. Alternative fuels such as hydrogen and sustainable aviation fuels may be necessary, particularly in rural areas where electrification remains a challenge. Infrastructure limitations and high costs, especially for heavy vehicles, add complexity to this transition. Net zero transition in the Scottish NHS can't be considered from transportation point of view only. Transportation is vitally dependent on the future operations and buildings of the NHS. A systemic approach has to be adopted in order the decarbonisation to be coordinated and balanced. While grid capacity poses a limitation, NHS Scotland has an opportunity to become more self-sufficient by generating its own energy. This approach could reduce costs in the long term while increasing resilience. Resilience remains a critical issue, with staffing shortages, lack of expertise, and funding constraints creating barriers to effective transportation planning. Strategic gaps exist between leadership and operations, and the availability of EV infrastructure remains limited. Additionally, disruptions such as flooding and road blockages highlight the need for improved contingency planning and stakeholder engagement. Better public awareness and collaboration with local authorities could enhance the overall resilience of NHS transportation networks. Aging infrastructure and limited public transport access, especially in rural areas, make accessibility to healthcare facilities a challenge. Expanding active travel options and shared transport initiatives could improve connectivity and reduce the environmental impact of NHS travel. Decarbonising the NHS fleet also remains a key priority, with ambitious targets set for light and heavy vehicles by 2025 and 2032, respectively. However, accessibility to EVs and e-bikes is still limited, and better data collection on commuting patterns is needed to drive effective decision-making. The adoption of emerging technologies, such as drones and digital tracking, presents opportunities to improve efficiency, but scalability and standardisation remain barriers. A strategic approach to integrating these technologies could future-proof NHS Scotland's transport systems. Redesigning travel and logistics is essential to optimising both patient and resource movement. Reducing unnecessary travel through centralised services, better logistics, and digital-first solutions could enhance efficiency while minimising carbon emissions. Financial and infrastructure barriers remain significant, with the high costs of transitioning to a green fleet and the need for ultra-fast charging stations being key concerns. Additionally, workforce perceptions of EVs, including range anxiety and reliability concerns, must be addressed through targeted communication and incentives. Finally, workforce and land use considerations play an important role in shaping NHS Scotland's transportation future. Prioritising staff health and well-being can reduce sick days, while strategic land use planning can support infrastructure development. By addressing these challenges proactively, NHS Scotland can build a resilient, efficient, and sustainable transportation system that benefits both staff and patients. Best outcomes for the major issues of the transportation for the NHS Scotland until 2040 NHS Scotland's approach to transportation challenges presents several potential positive outcomes that enhance accessibility, efficiency, and sustainability. Staff will have diverse and flexible travel options, including active travel, public transport, and zero-carbon commuting. With infrastructure and funding support for cycling and walking, as well as improved public transport integration, reliance on private vehicles will decrease, allowing for better land use and the development of NHS facilities instead of parking spaces. The NHS can optimise its existing assets by becoming an energy hub, generating and storing power for operational needs. Battery storage solutions will provide resilience and enable efficient energy distribution across sites. This strategic approach ensures smarter use of resources, minimising waste and maximising efficiency. Additionally, adopting a dominant low-carbon technology for heavy transport will reduce the need for extensive charging infrastructure. Restructuring services and logistics-such as preventing NHS vehicles from returning empty-will further improve efficiency. A stronger partnership with local authorities will enhance public transport accessibility, particularly in rural areas, ensuring better service for both patients and staff. Healthcare delivery will also improve, with a shift towards digital healthcare and remote consultations, reducing unnecessary travel while still maintaining high-quality care. Localised services will handle routine care, reserving hospital visits for specialist treatments. Technology-driven appointment and booking systems will enhance patient experience and streamline healthcare access. These changes will lead to a more efficient workforce, with better alignment between strategic leadership and operational needs. A whole-systems approach to public sector collaboration will improve transportation planning, attracting skilled professionals and boosting NHS Scotland's reputation for sustainability and innovation. Financially, NHS Scotland could achieve greater self-sufficiency through better funding allocation for transition projects. Investments in energy-efficient facilities and transportation systems will reduce long-term costs, while centralised government support will help standardise green transport technologies. The transition to a more sustainable transportation model will also yield significant environmental and social benefits. A reduction in overall NHS-related travel will cut carbon emissions, while prioritising zero-carbon transport, such as active travel and sustainable public transport, will contribute to better public health outcomes. Increased physical activity and reduced pollution exposure will improve well-being for both NHS staff and the wider community. Future-proofing NHS Scotland's transportation strategy will require openness to innovation and policy adaptation. A cultural shift towards embracing new technologies and operational models will ensure long-term success. NHS Scotland has the opportunity to take a leadership role in sustainable healthcare transport, with proactive government policies supporting bold decisions. These could even extend to wider public health initiatives, such as lifestyle regulations, to encourage healthier living. By addressing these transportation challenges strategically, NHS Scotland can create a resilient, accessible, and sustainable healthcare system that meets the needs of both patients and staff while reducing its environmental impact. Worst Outcomes of Transportation Challenges in NHS Scotland Failure to address transportation challenges could have significant consequences for NHS Scotland. The inability to meet net-zero targets may result in continued reliance on fossil fuels, as no viable technology for heavy vehicles emerges and energy transition for heating buildings remains too costly. Financial constraints could further hinder progress, with a lack of investment or misallocation of funds preventing necessary updates and infrastructure improvements. Leadership reluctance to embrace new solutions, coupled with resistance to change at all levels, could stall electrification efforts and hinder sustainable development. Without effective transport and infrastructure improvements, poor public transport services will remain unchanged, active travel initiatives will fail to gain traction, and the adoption of sustainable fleet technologies may prove unaffordable or impractical. Drones may remain restricted to remote areas due to regulatory limitations, while inefficient supply chain management and logistics will continue to waste resources and increase costs. NHS Scotland may also struggle to develop regional policies that account for diverse geographic and demographic needs, leading to widespread inefficiencies. The broader sustainability and reputational risks are also substantial. Without progress in reducing emissions and adopting renewable energy solutions, NHS Scotland may fail to meet its environmental commitments. A lack of leadership in green technology adoption could damage its reputation as a forward-thinking institution, reducing its influence in wider sustainability efforts. Overall, stagnation in transportation strategy would lead to inefficiencies, increased operational costs, and a failure to achieve sustainability and service delivery goals. Big Decisions for the Future of NHS Scotland's Transportation The future of transportation in NHS Scotland requires a firm commitment to sustainability, making it a core part of decision-making. A Chief Sustainability Officer should be appointed to ensure sustainability is systematically measured and reported. However, the transition to net zero is heavily dependent on government funding and the setting of clear priorities at the national level. Evidence-based decision-making is crucial, requiring further research into transport vulnerabilities and the most effective mitigation and adaptation strategies. Structural and cultural changes are also needed, including smarter use of distribution centres, adjustments to appointment systems to reduce unnecessary travel, and fostering a cultural shift towards sustainable practices. Funding and resource allocation will play a critical role in shaping the future transport strategy. Government funding must be secured to balance investment between community-based healthcare and large hospital facilities while ensuring an efficient use of fleet transport versus individual commuting. The adoption of new technologies must be carefully managed to balance the need for progress with the risks of premature implementation. NHS Scotland must set a clear strategy for gradual adoption, determining whether to take small steps or implement more significant shifts. Expanding digital healthcare solutions, such as 'Near Me' appointments, can help reduce unnecessary travel and improve efficiency. Collaboration and communication will be essential in driving change. Strong partnerships between NHS Scotland, government agencies, and local authorities must be established to align transportation models with sustainability goals. Future transport models should be clearly defined, and a hybrid approach should be considered to balance diverse needs. Implementation remains one of the biggest challenges, as many plans exist, but their execution is often delayed due to a lack of resources. Ensuring adequate funding, prioritising sustainable solutions that are both financially viable and practical, and fostering a mindset open to change will be key in achieving long-term transportation sustainability for NHS Scotland. Historical and Landmark events which resemble the uncertainty and urgency of net zero transition in NHS Scotland This was the question that received the least responses and seemed to be the most difficult to be answered by the interviewees. The participants struggled to find many events in the history of both the NHS and Scottish NHS which resembles the challenges of net zero transition. Throughout its history, the NHS has faced moments of crisis and transformation that parallel the uncertainty and urgency of the net zero transition. The COVID-19 pandemic was a defining example, where bureaucracy was bypassed to enable rapid decision-making. The NHS operated on a "war footing," swiftly mobilising resources, staff, and innovations such as vaccine development and new transportation methods for biological materials. The pandemic demonstrated the NHS's ability to act decisively under pressure, but it also highlighted challenges in long-term implementation. While decision-making was effective, sustaining and embedding these changes proved difficult. Key lessons from COVID-19 included the necessity of clear targets, prioritisation, and regulatory flexibility. The crisis underscored the NHS's capacity for ambition, resilience, and adaptation, yet also revealed the system's struggle with financial pressures and organisational inertia. Similar patterns have emerged in other historical moments of urgency, such as the postwar establishment and rebuilding of the NHS, when sweeping structural and policy changes were rapidly enacted. Short-term emergencies, like extreme flooding events, have also required decisive action, though responses tend to be reactive rather than strategic. Beyond crisis response, the NHS has seen major shifts in care delivery, such as changes in maternity services that reduced hospital stays. However, today's highly regulated environment often slows the pace of decision-making, making it harder to implement large-scale change. Cultural resistance, financial constraints, and resource limitations remain significant barriers to progress. The challenge now is to apply the lessons of past rapid transformations to the net zero transition-balancing urgency with sustainable, long-term implementation. Aspired results from people's engagement with net transition Scottish NHS stakeholders aspire to drive meaningful change in the transition to net zero by challenging existing norms, asking difficult questions, and pushing for sustainable and reusable solutions. Their goal is to create innovative, long-term strategies that improve efficiency and effectiveness in transportation while reducing the need for unnecessary travel. A key focus is on implementing workable green solutions for the NHS fleet, ensuring that sustainability does not come at the cost of practicality or accessibility. Additionally, they aim to support and encourage active travel, helping staff and patients reap the benefits of cycling and other low-carbon commuting options. Ultimately, their mission is to fight for a greener, more resilient healthcare system that balances environmental responsibility with operational efficiency. Conclusion The future of transportation in NHS Scotland is highly uncertain, influenced by evolving technologies, policy decisions, and financial constraints. A linear approach to planning is insufficient in addressing these complexities, as multiple interdependent factors-such as energy availability, infrastructure readiness, and behavioural change-will shape outcomes in unpredictable ways. Instead, a scenario-planning approach offers a more effective framework, allowing NHS Scotland to explore various possible futures and adapt to emerging challenges dynamically. By anticipating different scenarios, NHS decision-makers can develop more flexible strategies, mitigate risks, and capitalise on opportunities as they arise. In a rapidly changing landscape, embracing adaptability and forward-thinking will be essential to ensuring that NHS Scotland achieves its sustainability and transportation goals while maintaining resilience and efficiency. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024,2025 |
| Description | Strathclyde Future Hospital Initiative |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | The 'Future Hospital' is a University of Strathclyde-based network that is agile, flexible and responsive, connected by a digital infrastructure. The network discusses long-term solutions in prevention of disease, remote monitoring, early diagnosis, and detection, which will be key components of Future Hospitals. The Future Hospital Initiative proposes to explore how we can design and develop better processes enhancing patient experiences and outcomes. The network involves professionals working in the Health, Care or Third Sector and other relevant stakeholders. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://www.strath.ac.uk/studywithus/postgraduateresearchphdopportunities/thefuturehospitalandbeyond... |
| Description | Sustainability in Healthcare Event |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | On Thursday 21 March 2024 Design HOPES presented their ongoing work at the 'Sustainability in Healthcare' event at the Department for Business & Trade in Edinburgh. Other presenters included Wendy Rayner (Scottish Government), Michael Kellett (Public Health Scotland), Dr Paul McConnell (Royal Alexandra Hospital, Paisley), David Taggart (Centre for Sustainable Delivery), Sharon Pfledger, and Neil Sheddan. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Sustainable Healthcare Academic Research and Enterprise (SHARE) Conference 2024: Fast-Tracking Resilient & Environmentally Sustainable Health Systems. |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | SHARE is an annual conference for academics, students, clinicians and service users to disseminate research, quality improvement and education projects about sustainability in healthcare practice. Since 2021, SHARE has been co-hosted by the School of Sport and Health Sciences, Brighton and Sussex Medical School and Centre for Sustainable Healthcare. The purpose of the presentation was to report on one project within the larger Design HOPES remit - The Green Ward Toolkit - and discuss how the UK Design Council's Double Diamond Process Model has been used to engage healthcare professionals to help co-design the toolkit with the aim to eliminate waste, drive lean clinical pathways, and develop low-carbon alternatives across Scotland's health and social care provision. Presenters: Fraser Bruce & Jack Fletcher, University of Dundee Project Team: Fraser Bruce, University of Dundee Chris Lim, University of Dundee Jack Fletcher, University of Dundee Vicky Tully, NHS Tayside Millie Stevenson, NHS Tayside |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://blogs.brighton.ac.uk/sustainabilityhealth/symposium/ |
| Description | The ALLIANCE Scotland "Integration in Action" Conference |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Design HOPES PI (Paul Rodgers) invited to present at the upcoming Health and Social Care Alliance Scotland (the ALLIANCE) "Integration in Action" event (28 May 2024). Professor Paul Rodgers, Principal Investigator at Design HOPES, focused on co-design as a means of achieving the ambition to Share Power. He gave an overview of how DesignHOPES' work demonstrates that change can be made when power is shared among stakeholders to achieve a positive outcome. He first provided a summary of the principles and objectives of the co-design process. Co-design brings together lived experience, lived expertise and professional experience to learn from each other and make things better. The theory of co-design is about sharing power, building capacity, prioritising relationships, all through a range of participatory methods. The aim is for co-design to lead to co-production of new products and services. The elements of co-production are co-plan, co-discover, co-design, co-deliver and co-evaluate. He then explained the 'participatory power pyramid' which sets out the spectrum of participatory methods and shows how co-design may be achieved through a range of different collaborative and collegiate processes. The closer to the top of the pyramid, the more individuals will feel enabled by the processes they have engaged in. DesignHOPES has worked with Alzheimer Scotland for over a decade. Professor Rodgers explained that many of the projects they have worked on have been initiated by people living with dementia. Through these projects, they were enabled to take control over the entire co-design process. One example of this is the 'designing with people living with Dementia' project. Another example of DesignHOPES' collaborative work is a project with NHS Scotland to reduce single-use plastic and theatre caps by working with nurses and surgeons to develop more sustainable and practical products. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://view.officeapps.live.com/op/view.aspx?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.alliance-scotland.org.uk%2Fwp-co... |
| Description | The Deep Dive Podcast |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | I was interviewed by The Deep Dive Podcast Host, Philip McKenzie, on the subject - "Thinking through Design Research". The Second Edition of the Routledge Companion to Design Research, edited by Paul Rodgers and Joyce Yee, was the feature of this NYC-based podcast. The Deep Dive, which is a culture and insights podcast is internationally used to advise organizations on how best to thrive in an increasingly challenging and uncertain world. The book and wider research of Paul Rodgers, discussed in the podcast, included "seminal work featuring the work and insights from some of the brightest and most insightful minds in design research." |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| URL | https://www.thedeepdivepod.com/ |