Breathing easy: the future of healthcare ventilation
Following on from his , Dr Amir Keshmiri is now taking his research into a clinical setting. Working with industrial partner, Howorth Air Technology (HAT), Amir and the project team will implement their new ventilation metrics in HAT’s ultra clean ventilation systems to improve patient health and wellbeing.
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, clean air in healthcare settings – specifically hospices where some of society’s most vulnerable patients convalesce – has never been more important. While current ventilation systems effectively help manage indoor CO2 levels, they often do little to mitigate cross-infection between patients and healthcare workers. and , from The University of Manchester, are working with Howorth Air Technology Limited (HAT) to implement his advanced airflow modelling metrics into HAT’s ultra clean ventilation systems to reduce cross-infection risk and improve ventilation efficiency.
This exciting project will see two respective leaders in their fields collaborate to drive innovation into an area of engineering for the good of our wider Healthcare infrastructure. Making data driven decisions in relation to building and equipment design is key to ensure the best outcomes for all stakeholders. Our project will ensure this innovation continues and is key to achieving Net Zero targets not only for our own business but also that of our key customers across the UK.
Transforming traditional ventilation
Current ventilation systems rely predominantly on fresh air intake, mechanical system design, and air velocity to mitigate infection risk (IR). In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, trade bodies around the world issued ventilation guidelines based on these key metrics to help prevent the disease spreading in indoor settings, however this approach is overly simplistic and doesn’t take into account the relationship between viral load, exposure time and individual susceptibility.
The researchers actively looked to address this gap and so, using advanced computational simulations, took a holistic approach, analysing the spatial-temporal relationship of airborne pathogens with a view to incorporating this into wider healthcare settings.
Following an effective pilot in a hospice in the UK, Amir successfully secured funding through the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) which will allow him to take his research to the next stage and work with an industrial partner to design a new generation of ventilation system.
It is so important to work with experts in industry to see our research translated into real-world applications. We are confident that combining our efforts we can realise positive change and improve outcomes for patients around the world.
For patients, healthcare professionals, and the planet
This project aims to allow hospitals to fine-tune their ventilation systems and minimise infection risks, keeping both patients and healthcare professionals safer while also improving energy efficiency. Healthcare-associated infections remain a persistent challenge, costing lives and placing immense strain on the NHS. If hospitals can harness these advanced ventilation insights it could result in fewer infections, shorter hospital stays, and lower costs for an already overstretched healthcare service.
From an environmental standpoint, the benefits are just as compelling. The NHS has committed to becoming the world’s first net-zero health service, but traditional ventilation systems are notoriously energy-intensive. By improving the way air is circulated and filtered, this project could help reduce energy consumption without compromising on safety. In an age where sustainability is no longer a choice but a necessity, this shift towards high-performance, energy-efficient ventilation couldn’t come at a better time.
Finally, these innovations could help redefine ventilation guidelines at a national level, influencing NHS standards and setting new benchmarks for the global healthcare industry.
The road ahead
Of course, no innovation is without its challenges. Integrating these new ventilation effectiveness metrics into NHS standards will take time, and convincing hospitals to move beyond traditional air velocity measures won’t happen overnight. But the case for change is undeniable.
The UK government has already acknowledged the crucial role ventilation plays in reducing airborne disease transmission. With new guidelines on infection control and increasing pressure to improve energy efficiency, the timing couldn’t be better for a shift in hospital ventilation strategies.
In a world where healthcare is under more pressure than ever, this initiative is a reminder that sometimes, the biggest breakthroughs come not from high-tech drugs or cutting-edge surgical techniques, but from something as fundamental as the air we breathe. With this partnership poised to redefine hospital ventilation, the future of healthcare is looking clearer—and cleaner—than ever.