In delivering more than 40 healthcare facilities across the UK, Fulcrum have a clear focus on creating flexible, future-proofed spaces that can adapt to the changing needs of the NHS and the communities they serve.
The COVID-19 pandemic is a prime example of the benefits of having flexible healthcare facilities right in the heart of the community.
As the early impacts of the pandemic began to be felt, Fulcrum quickly mobilised several facilities in London and the North West to support the NHS and the Emergency Departments of nearby hospitals, with a dozen Fulcrum sites also identified to be used as COVID-19 testing centres.
These quick adaptations (further details follow) to help support the COVID-19 response, were only possible because of the flexible, innovative buildings Fulcrum provides – a timely reminder that amidst huge change and emerging pressures on the NHS, Fulcrum is building much-needed resilience into the healthcare sector.
Some of the ways Fulcrum have helped the NHS and local communities respond to COVID-19 are detailed in the following pages.
SUPPORTING THE VACCINES PROGRAMME AND COVID-19 RECOVERY
In 2021, a number of Fulcrum’s facilities are being used to offer vaccines to NHS staff and local residents.
Discussions are also underway about using space in Fulcrum’s facilities to support patient recovery and rehabilitation from the effects of COVID-19.
SUPPORTING VULNERABLE FAMILIES IN WEST LONDON
Working in partnership with QPR football club and Imperial College, Fulcrum delivered a range of measures to support communities in White City, west London throughout lockdown .
To help support family health and wellbeing, resource packs for over 100 vulnerable families in the community were created and delivered – the packs included recipe books, exercise guides, and resources to support with mental health needs. Posters were also created to support parents with home schooling, and to offer signposts for financial support.
Along with providing direct support to residents, Fulcrum also launched a “Small Sparks” pot of funding to help fund and support local projects in getting off the ground, providing crucial community support at a time of need.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH IN THE NORTH WEST
Though Fulcrum’s existing healthcare provision in St Helens, Merseyside, a ‘Community Hub’ programme with key partners is already in place to allow crucial engagement with local residents.
As COVID-19 began to impact the local community, the Community Hub and an army of volunteers were mobilised to help distribute food and essential supplies to those identified as most at risk and requiring shielding during the pandemic.
Together with the supplies provided nationally, Fulcrum made a £24,000 donation to allow further packages of food, toiletries and essential items to be purchased and distributed to a range of vulnerable groups, including rough sleepers, families usually in receipt of free school meals, the elderly, and those who found themselves in poverty through the loss of employment.