Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) has launched a live digital twin of six of its hospitals, spanning 274,000 m² across the Oxford Road campus and other sites, to unify estates data, improve facility operations, and enhance patient safety, tells AEC Magazine.
The model, built on Esri UK’s GIS platform, integrates indoor mapping, spatial analytics, navigation, and asset-tracking capabilities. It replaces a patchwork of disparate systems and paper-based workflows and serves as a single source of truth for rooms, spaces, and associated data.
Initially deployed to support space optimization and risk-management efforts, such as identifying underutilized rooms and monitoring legacy building issues such as reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) and asbestos, the twin already offers real-time insights into occupancy levels and space demand. Mobile survey data feeds directly into the 3D model, enabling condition surveys and maintenance planning to replace spreadsheets and manual reporting.
Key to the initiative was the development of a data strategy by partner BIS Consult, which oversaw the integration of CAFM systems, CAD floor plans, and varied asset data into one platform, a challenging enterprise in terms of data governance and accuracy.
Looking ahead, MFT plans to expand the model to the remaining four hospitals in its estate, incorporate energy usage metrics for cost savings, and deploy applications such as indoor navigation for patients and staff, real-time asset tracking, and contact tracing for infection control.
In doing so, MFT positions itself as a blueprint for other NHS trusts looking to create smarter, safer, and more sustainable healthcare estates.