High quality, technically-advanced, clinical infrastructure, delivered at pace
Other modular providers can build a facility that is compliant, but Vanguard Healthcare Solutions can bring clinical expertise and proper engagement
Experts you can trust
Working together with global healthcare providers to improve outcomes for patients
Who we are
Vanguard Healthcare Solutions and Q-bital Healthcare Solutions
is a leading global provider of flexible clinical infrastructure and services, delivering high quality, technically-advanced solutions at pace by partnering with our clients to improve health outcomes.
While Vanguard operates in the UK, Q-bital Healthcare Solutions, is our international division. Q-bital delivers innovative new solutions throughout the Netherlands, Sweden, Australia, and France and continues to invest in new markets to provide support where it is needed.
We provide mobile and modular operating theatres, clinical facilities, endoscopy and diagnostic solutions including community diagnostic centres and pharmaceutical life sciences facilities which are used by healthcare professionals to increase their clinical capacity.
We are the world’s leading provider of flexible clinical infrastructure
I’m proud to lead the team here at Vanguard Healthcare Solutions.
From our inception in 2009, We have grown to become a truly unique organisation with an unrivalled and excellent foundations on which we continue to build.
Our exclusive focus on healthcare and unrivalled clinical expertise, coupled with our ability to deliver mixed modality solutions at pace, makes us unique in the sector.
The group continues to diversify geographically, as well as by
product and market and demand for our solutions continues to grow. We excel in using our unique experience and abilities to create a bespoke solution for each customer, whether that be in mobile, modular, clinical staffing or a mixture of all three and doing so in an environmentally considerate and responsible way.
We are incredibly proud of our track record in positively partnering with our clients to improve health outcomes across the world.
Positively partnering with our clients to improve health outcomes
Vanguard is improving health outcomes across the world...
Our facilities have given providers the capacity and capability to offer more than 2.5m procedures
Our facilities
We offer an extensive range of innovative space solutions. From operating theatres and surgical hubs to community diagnostic centres and endoscopy solutions, our infrastructure and facilities offer a superior experience for both staff and patients, delivering measurable outcomes for patients.
Since 2009, we have made significant contributions to enhancing healthcare delivery and improving people’s quality of life.
Focused on clinical capacity we have evolved and expanded. Initially capable of facilitating over one hundred thousand procedures annually, this figure has now grown to two hundred and forty thousand procedures per year, supporting all major specialities including
major and minor orthopaedics, ophthalmology, ENT, gynaecology, general surgery, endoscopy, and plastics.
As we continue to grow we anticipate surpassing a quarter of a million procedures annually, within the next twelve months.
Vanguard mobile, modular and mixed-modality solutions use Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) to build value engineering that results in cost savings and accelerated delivery that is more efficient and less labour intensive compared to traditional construction methods.
The use of offsite manufacturing within a controlled environment has a range of benefits, including improved health and safety for workers, reduced construction work impact to local areas and, increased programme certainty due to factory works not being weather dependant. The factory environment also allows careful monitoring of quality control to ensure that the correct standards of build are maintained throughout.
Compared to traditionally built projects, the offsite build method allows onsite operations, such as groundworks, to be carried out in tandem with the
factory-built superstructure works. This maximises programme efficiency, ensuring that projects are completed in the shortest possible timescales.
To ensure the realisation of offsite construction benefits, careful consideration is given to optimise the amount of factory fit out. This includes modules designed to maximise the numbers of rooms that can be built offsite, factory installable claddings/roofs and, routing of MEP services so they can be pre-installed. Our design teams utilise Building Information Modelling (BIM) to ensure efficiency and buildability are considered from the beginning. We target our facilities to be built to PMVs of 85% and higher.
Offsite manufacturing offers controlled environments where machinery and processes can be optimised for maximum output and efficiency, reducing the carbon footprint compared to on-site construction. Moreover,
the assembly line approach in offsite production allows for the implementation of lean manufacturing principles, which further reduces waste and energy consumption. By optimising material usage and recycling processes, offsite manufacturing significantly decreases the amount of waste generated, thereby reducing the environmental impact. Additionally, offsite manufacturing facilities can implement renewable energy sources and energy-efficient technologies to further minimise their carbon footprint.
Overall, the shift towards offsite manufacturing-based production represents a significant step towards sustainability, as it not only enhances efficiency and waste management but also reduces carbon emissions, contributing to global efforts to combat climate change.
Our buildings and systems are being continuously developed to reduce carbon usage.
The thermal and air efficiency of the buildings reduces operational energy and use. In conjunction with our clients we carefully design building form, layout, glazing and building services, including renewables, to improve the building efficiency. This reduces carbon emissions, energy costs and improves the environment for patients and staff.
Whole lifecycle carbon assessments have proven that modular buildings are more efficient, in terms of reduction in carbon, than traditional construction
The use of Vanguard Solutions modular buildings will assist the NHS on its path to achieving its goal of being Net Zero Carbon by 2040.
Healthcare compliance is at the forefront of our design, and we are proud to be able to provide our clients with facilities that are fully complaint with in-country building, planning and regulatory standards.’
Whole lifecycle carbon assessments have proven that modular buildings are more efficient, in terms of reduction in carbon, than traditional construction
Supporting partners to improve health outcomes
Only Vanguard Healthcare Solutions has the exclusive clinical focus, wide-ranging expertise and experience to provide bespoke, high quality clinical infrastructure and support to help our partners improve health outcomes.
From additional capacity to responding to an emergency, our experts are here to support healthcare providers whenever and wherever they need us.
Since our foundation, we have facilitated over two and a half million procedures, supporting healthcare providers in delivering excellent patient care within their estate and along their care pathways.
Endoscopy, plays a vital role in early detection and diagnosis of various conditions, allowing for
timely intervention and treatment, thus significantly improving patient outcomes and reducing morbidity and mortality rates.
As demand for Endoscopy has increased, we have quadrupled our annual capacity from twenty thousand to more than eighty thousand procedures per year. In total we have offered over half a million endoscopy procedures. With a significant growth trajectory, we foresee reaching an annual rate of one hundred thousand procedures per year by 2025.
Two and a half million procedures
Quadrupled our annual capacity from twenty thousand to more than eighty thousand procedures per year
Half a million endoscopy procedures
One hundred thousand procedures per year by 2025.
Our social value
One of the largest economic consultancies in Europe studied the social impact created by Vanguard’s activities.
Frontier Economics identified and evaluated two direct impacts of Vanguard activities across three clinical areas, which account for the largest number of clinical procedures undertaken in Vanguard facilities. They were:
health and wellbeing gains for patients treated in Vanguard facilities; and financial and operational benefits for Vanguard’s NHS partners.
Also identified were potential indirect social impacts, including: reduced future use of NHS services; reduced care burden for patients’ family/carers; and increased economic contribution of patients following treatment in Vanguard facilities.
Case Study
St George’s University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust was facing a growing surgical backlog in South-West London. The Trust needed to add additional capacity for surgical procedures, an issue which had been made worse by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Starting with an initial brief, Vanguard worked collaboratively with the Trust producing a proposal and programme plan within 10 days.
Impact of a Vanguard facility across a year:
The resulting modular building created a bespoke four theatre complex including high specification ultra clean HTM compliance operating theatre rooms alongside a recovery ward, consulting rooms, staff facilities and utility areas, all separate from the hospital.
Vanguard designed, built and commissioned this bespoke complex in a matter of months to the Trust’s specifications and requirements. A functional modular theatre complex was delivered in 5 months.
this solution could be absolutely fantastic for other healthcare providers, both in terms of the speed of delivery, and the quality of environment that is provided
Delivering quality support and outcomes
We invest in our people, our services and our systems to deliver best-in-class clinical infrastructure and clinical support. We are committed to maintaining our International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) standards which are globally recognised.
Making a positive impact
Environmental
We are committed to becoming an environmentally sustainable and socially responsible organisation that creates world leading clinical Healthcare Spaces with minimal impact on the environment.
Our business practices are ever evolving; our environmental road map commits us to becoming carbon net zero by 2035.
We constantly strive to offer products and services that help our clients achieve their own environment targets. Our Healthcare Spaces will be carbon neutral on a day-to-day running basis by 2025.
Since setting out our commitments on sustainability in 2023, we have made a positive start. From an environmental perspective, we established our baseline emissions footprint and created phase one of our Carbon Reduction Plan (CRP).
We are in partnership with Klimate to purchase and surrender carbon emissions and in 2023, exceeded our net-zero target for scope 1 and 2 and had net positive emissions for Scope 1 and 2.
We were also pleased to have completed the NHS Evergreen Sustainable Supplier Assessment. The Assessment is a self-assessment and reporting tool and resulted in us receiving a Level 1: Publicly committed to net zero carbon and engaged with sustainability.
Apprenticeships
In 2023 4.5% of our workforce were undertaking an apprenticeship or in an early-careers development programme. We are active contributors to the UK Apprenticeship Levy which has funded apprenticeships across several areas including Management; Human Resources and Finance with apprenticeships available for both school leavers and mature learners.
Our vision is to create a Clinical development pathway with key training partnerships, that will incorporate apprenticeships as a key entry point for Clinical careers at Vanguard.
Some of our recent apprentice ‘graduates’ proudly support the apprenticeship route:
Our People Vision is: To enable our people to achieve exceptional results. We do this by creating empowered, and agile teams, supported by authentic and compassionate leadership and providing an inclusive environment for growth.
Head of Clinical Services and Practice
Apprenticeship Qualification: Executive MBA
I was fortunate to be granted a position on an executiveMBA apprenticeship when I was working as a senior leader in the NHS. This was then supported to completion by Vanguard when I started with the company in 2022. I have been extremally grateful to the company for supporting this endeavour, which has led to not only a master’s level academic qualification, but also given me the ability to apply my learning directly to the business as well as exposing me to piers in other industry, expanding my network. The value to both myself as the learner and the business has been extremely positive and despite originally feeling like a daunting task, has been hugely enjoyable.
People Advisor
Apprenticeship Qualification: HR Support
Being an apprentice is an amazing journey that offers many opportunities for growth, learning, and selfdiscovery. By embracing challenges, seeking guidance from mentors, welcoming constructive feedback, taking the initiative, and celebrating achievements, you can unlock your full potential and pave the way for a fulfilling and successful career. I truly enjoyed the journey and the lessons I learned along the way. I am proud to share that I even gained a distinction in my end-point assessment, despite having to retake my English exam as part of the apprenticeship. It was all worth it in the end!
Making a positive impact
A positive impact as explained by
Hussain Kadodia, Marketing Executive
Ramadan, the ninth month in the Islamic calendar, holds profound significance for Muslims, often regarded as one of the most sacred periods of the year. It symbolises renewal, offering a precious opportunity for self-reflection, focus, and personal growth. During this month-long observance, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset, devoting their days to prayer, contemplation, and deepening their understanding of their faith and purpose. It’s a time of striving for improvement, transcending mere religious devotion to becoming better individuals, better human beings.
Navigating work commitments during Ramadan can pose challenges, particularly when balancing spiritual obligations with professional responsibilities. Aware of these challenges, I approached my manager and Head of Department well in advance, seeking accommodation for my altered schedule. With the support of both, I was afforded the flexibility to tailor my work hours to suit my needs during this period of spiritual devotion.
Their understanding and flexibility allowed me to establish a routine that enabled me to fulfil my work duties while also attending to my religious practices. Whether it meant adjusting my hours to accommodate post-prayer fatigue or allowing time for necessary rest, their support ensured I could observe Ramadan comfortably and effectively. Their regular checkins were deeply appreciated, as they allowed me to feel supported throughout all periods of the month, and for that I am grateful.
Ramadan holds profound significance for me as a Muslim, representing a time of spiritual growth and self-improvement. While work remains important, I am deeply grateful to Vanguard for recognizing and respecting the importance of this sacred month, and for their unwavering support in making it a meaningful and comfortable experience for me in the workplace. Their empathy and accommodation reflect the values of inclusivity and understanding, for which I will always be thankful.
Embracing difference
At Vanguard we seek to employ a workforce which reflects the diverse community at large because we value the individual contribution of people irrespective of differences. We believe that the dignity of every person must be treated fairly and with dignity, trust and respect. Sometimes, this may mean allowing for different views and viewpoints and making space for others to contribute.
We are committed to encouraging equality and diversity amongst our employees and aim to ensure that no employee, worker or job applicant receives less favourable facilities or treatment (either directly or indirectly) throughout the employment lifecycle.
Tom Duffy, Theatre Practitioner
Flexible working options at Vanguard don’t only apply to office-based colleagues. Tom Duffy is an Operating Department Practitioner who has worked with the company for 11 years. Tom is originally from Dublin and lives in the South of England. He travels for work every Sunday and is currently based in the Midlands.
With a new grandchild, working a four-day week has proved to be the perfect balance for work, family and time for himself.
When I first heard about the scheme, there were lots of things to consider about working a shorter week, particularly the financial implications.
My daughter gave birth to her beautiful son last year, and being a grandfather for the first time has been an amazingly joyful experience. For a number of different reasons, it’s important to me that I can support her, and her family, as much as possible and working flexibly allows me to do that.
I travel home on a Thursday evening after four days working in theatres and living in a hotel. Then I have two full days to enjoy with my Grandson and help my daughter. I love spending time with my grandson and I feel it’s really positive that I can be there to help my family more too.
I head off on a Sunday back to the hotel and then have some time to recharge and to myself.
It has really made such a positive difference to me and to my family and our lives. I feel more positive about all aspects of my life, and feel my productivity in the workplace has increased with a renewed enthusiasm.
Making a positive impact
Vanguard as an employer Vanguard entered into a relationship as a donor partner with The Tropical Health & Education Trust (THET) and their Experts in Our Midst programme in 2023, celebrating the international work of UK based healthcare professionals. This partnership further strengthens our ESG commitments and will support diversity and inclusion strategies and local links between the independent healthcare sector and NHS providers.
The programme of work is designed to retain and support
of knowledge of different healthcare systems within our workforce to benefit progress to quality, affordable health coverage for all.
In 2024, Vanguard signed the NHS UK Sexual Safety Healthcare Charter along with over 290 NHS; independent healthcare organisations and Royal Colleges, to commit to the principles of a zero-tolerance approach to unwanted, inappropriate and / or harmful sexual behaviours towards our workforce.
We believe that organisations and individually to tackle unwanted, inappropriate and / or harmful sexual behaviour in the workplace because those who work, train and learn within the healthcare system have the right to be safe and feel supported at work.
Making a positive impact
Employee Engagement
Our 2023 engagement survey results demonstrate our commitment to our people, with 82% positive engagement across the business.
Over 90% of our UK employee population said “I would recommend working here to friends and family” and 98% of our Clinical population say “I want to be working here in 12 months’ time”.
Our 2024 pulse engagement survey received an 80% response rate.
We are proud to celebrate our Employee Champions who represent our global workforce and who come together bimonthly to form the Employee
and drive positive change throughout our organisation.
The Champions are advocates for positive engagement and together with the EEG cultivate an environment where every voice is heard, valued, and empowered.
The EEG allows: the business to communicate relevant news; open communication between employees and the business leaders; working with the business leaders regards important changes to ensure success; a commercial and collaborative approach to business problem solving.
Our Employee Champions are proud supporters of this
Angie Prince, Clinical Services Manager:
As an Employee Champion it has been great to be able to raise feedback from the clinical teams and share updates from the group to the clinical teams. I have recently celebrated nine years working at Vanguard- not bad when my career plan was two years!
Maxine Lawson, National Account Manager:
I applied to be an Employee Champion and part of the EEG as the approach of allowing your employees to shape the organisation massively appeals to me. Any organisation is only as good as its people, and by enabling our people to share their opinions reflects the high value Vanguard places on us all as we are contribute to the safe and sustainable services our clients enjoy. Additionally, the nature of this group encourages us to keep progressing and not just accept our achievements, but always strive for better.
Our Business Leader Community was established in 2023 to compliment the EEG and supports the engagement of our business strategy, collaboration and 2-way communications with senior leaders and subject matter experts from across the organisation.
Making a positive impact
Mental Health and Wellbeing
We have worked with Mental Health for England and international bodies to develop our Mental Health First Aider programme across the organisation, training over 30 individuals since 2021 to become recognised Mental Health First Aiders.
Angie Prince, Clinical Services Manager:
We have gained traction in raising awareness of the Mental Health First Aiders within the organisation and the MHFAs are creating a forum where MHFA’s can meet in a virtual safe space to provide support to one another. We are lucky to have new colleagues joining the cohort of fully trained MHFA’s and we are able to provide greater support across all our employee population. Knowing that help is available and confidentiality is respected is valued by our employees.
I often find myself using the stress bucket to manage my own expectations and work life balance, it is a great tool for self-awareness.
Volunteering
We provide up to 3 days each year for each employee to participate in a volunteering activity and are committed to increasing this to 5 days during 2025. We do this because we believe that volunteering can help to create a shared experience for our teams as well as giving back to our communities and supporting causes that our people value.
We have established partnerships with The Canals and Rivers Trust and Severn Rivers Trust to support our environmental commitments and since our policy launch we have actively supported various activities and initiatives in our local communities.
We have established partnerships with The Canals and Rivers Trust and Severn Rivers Trust to support our environmental commitments
Making a positive impact Case Study
Development
We support the learning and development of our people and are investing in management and leadership development.
Our Management Foundation Skills programme in collaboration with a third party training provider was launched in 2023 and was designed to focus on enhancing and developing the skills managers need to become more confident, respected and proactive leaders who achieve consistent results.
Management Foundation Skills success:
We believe that success in any industry not only lies within our employees’ technical skills, but that we also need to harness the power of the human element.
In 2023 we also introduced a number of mandatory training courses, to upskill and equip all our teams with knowledge and awareness that we hold of critical importance. This included our global roll-out of Human Factors training in collaboration with third party facilitators.
Human Factors training investigates the psychological and social factors that influence human performance, and how effective communication, teamwork, and decisionmaking help to develop human behaviour in a professional setting.
This helps navigate complex dynamics, foster a positive work culture and drive innovation within our organisation, making our working environment more efficient, effective, and safe.
Vanguard’s innovative “ambulance decant” facility is helping North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust increase its ambulance handover capacity and has already supported more than 15,000 patients.
The infrastructure – a mobile ward - was created and installed by Vanguard at Peterborough General Hospital. The ward, one of the Vanguard fleet of mobile healthcare solutions which also includes operating theatres and endoscopy suites, was initially due to be in place for six months to help the Trust tackle ambulance handover times when patients arrived at A&E over the winter of 2022-2023.
Such was its success in helping reduce ambulance handover delays, the Trust decided to extend the time it would be on site to help create the best possible patient experience during subsequent winter months.
The mobile unit is operating as an “ambulance decant” solution, helping reduce bottlenecks at accident and emergency department and
improve patient experience. It is stationed at the hospital’s ambulance arrival bay. It provides six beds or eight trolleys for patients awaiting admission to A&E.
The joint project between Vanguard and North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust has increased capacity at A&E and has, at busy times, reduced the need for patients to remain being treated in ambulances while they wait to be seen in the emergency department.
This has allowed ambulances and their crews to be available to respond to calls more quickly. The project was planned and mobile ward delivered within weeks.
The mobile ward has acted as an ‘admission lounge’. It runs 24-hours-a-day and on arrival at A&E, patients are assessed for their suitability for admission
to the mobile ward or whether they should go directly to the main emergency department. The ward includes patient and staff facilities including toilets, changing rooms and medical gases to ensure it is both clinically high quality, as well as comfortable.
This facility has made a huge difference.
Ivan Graham, Divisional Nursing Director for Urgent & Emergency Care, from the Trust
Locations
Gloucester Manningtree Hull
Netherlands
Sweden
Australia
High quality, technically-advanced, clinical infrastructure, delivered at pace
