Tag: angus connect

 

Angus Connect's ICAT/IMIT team is helping lead the charge in designing one of British Columbia's first 'smart hospital' facilities - the new Surrey hospital and BC Cancer Centre (NSHBCCC). 

Currently in design, the Fraser Health Authority’s next-generation healthcare facility represents a pivotal step toward fully connected, digitally enabled care environments in Canada.

Shaping the Smart Hospital Vision

Our approach integrates digital strategy, data-driven decision support, and clinical readiness from day one. Incorporating principles from the new CSA Z8005:24 – Special Requirements for Digital Infrastructure and Digital Health Care Technologies, the project team is embedding best practices in interoperability through systems integration design, extensive stakeholder engagement, and future-proof planning to ensure that digital systems enhance, rather than complicate, care delivery.

This facility will leverage technology not as an overlay but as an integrated layer of care — connecting patients, staff, and the building itself to improve safety, efficiency, and experience.

Technology Highlights

  • Infrastructure for Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs): Planned integration of autonomous vehicles to move multiple material streams across the hospital, improving logistics efficiency and staff safety.
  • Wearable Bio-Tracking Devices: Continuous patient monitoring before and after procedures will enable faster clinical intervention and better outcomes.
  • Smart Operating Rooms: Featuring digital integration, disinfection lighting, multi-angle clinical cameras, and real-time remote collaboration for advanced training and tele-surgical support.
  • Telemedicine for Surgery and Trauma: Virtual surgical consults and remote specialist access will expand capacity and ensure timely intervention in critical situations.
  • Real-Time Location Tracking: Ultra-wideband (UWB) asset and staff tracking within one-metre accuracy will enhance workflow optimization and safety.

 A Response to Today’s Healthcare Challenges

As Canadian patients face long wait times — averaging 28.6 weeks between referral and treatment in 2025 [1] — the need for technology to extend access, enhance capacity, and personalize care has never been greater. While most Canadians still prefer in-person visits, many Canadians believe that virtual and digitally supported care can improve access to specialists and reduce delays [2].

The Fraser Health region—including Surrey Memorial Hospital, the largest acute-care site in the region with over 650 acute-care beds and the province’s busiest emergency department—continues to face immense pressure from rapid population growth, aging demographics, and limited inpatient capacity. The new Surrey hospital and BC Cancer Centre directly helps to address these pressures by creating a digitally inclusive, patient-centric model of care that enhances operational flow, improves visibility across the care continuum, and optimizes real-time use of available beds and resources.

Angus Connect Team Approach

Across the country, Angus Connect has built a reputation for bridging people, process, and technology to deliver operationally ready, data-driven environments. Our multidisciplinary team — including engineers, designers, BIM, clinicians, engineers, project managers, and change management— has guided more than a dozen of Canada’s largest healthcare capital projects. From integrating real-time patient flow systems to enabling digital command centres, our work demonstrates how thoughtful digital design translates directly into better patient outcomes and workforce resilience.

Looking Ahead

The new Surrey hospital and BC Cancer Centre will set a new benchmark for smart healthcare facilities in Canada — a fully electric, digitally equipped hospital where interoperability, automation, and human-centered design converge to transform care.

By embedding digital health planning into the foundation of capital design, Angus Connect is not only building infrastructure — we’re helping define the next generation of care delivery across Canada.

Authors:

 
 

Megan Angus, RN, MBA, Lean, EDAC, Principal
Senior Vice President, Strategy and Digital Services | Vice President, Angus Connect

 
 

Vishal Bhana, B.Eng., P.Eng., RCDD, CDCDP, Associate
Senior Manager, Angus Connect

 
 

Kyra McLellan, B.Eng., M.A.Sc., E.I.T
Senior Designer, Healthcare

 
 

References:

[1] [2] Moir, M., & Esmail, N. (2025). Waiting Your Turn: Wait Times for Health Care in Canada, 2025 Report. Fraser Institute. | Fraser Institute. https://www.fraserinstitute.org/studies/waiting-your-turn-wait-times-for-health-care-in-canada-2025

[3] Virtual care is real care: National poll shows Canadians are overwhelmingly satisfied with virtual health care. Canadian Medical Association. (2020, June 8). https://www.cma.ca/latest-stories/virtual-care-real-care-national-poll-shows-canadians-are-overwhelmingly-satisfied-virtual-health  

 
 
 

June 16, London UK:
What if a cancer diagnosis didn't mean travelling to multiple locations for appointments, tests, treatment, and recovery?

For many patients, that's what the future of healthcare can look like.

Megan Angus (Angus Connect) and Kyle Basilius (Parkin Architects) share how 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝗦𝘂𝗿𝗿𝗲𝘆 𝗛𝗼𝘀𝗽𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗕𝗖 𝗖𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿 𝗖𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝗱𝗲𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗱𝗲𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆. Its integrated model brings specialized cancer care and community hospital services together on a single campus.

The impact extends far beyond co-location.

When cancer care, emergency services, surgery, diagnostics, and inpatient care are connected through shared digital platforms, coordinated workflows, and intelligent systems, patients experience a healthcare journey that is simpler, faster, and more connected. Fewer handoffs. Less travel. Earlier access to care. Greater confidence that the system is working together on their behalf.

The session will examine how integrated care models can:
✅ Create clearer pathways for patients and families navigating complex health journeys
✅ Improve access to specialized care closer to home
✅ Reduce delays and barriers between diagnosis, treatment, and recovery
✅ Support clinicians with coordinated workflows that allow more time for patient care
✅ Enhance system resilience and capacity through smart hospital technologies and data-driven decision-making

The presentation will also explore how sustainability and healthcare outcomes intersect. As one of Canada's first fully electric hospitals, the project demonstrates how low-carbon design and circular economy principles can support healthier, more resilient healthcare environments for generations to come.

 
 

How can hospitals designed today harness the full potential of AI tomorrow?

June 15, 2026:  Megan Angus and Daniel Tannous of Angus Connect are presenting at the European Healthcare Design Conference in London, England. Their session, “Beyond bricks and bytes: How AI will transform hospital planning, design, and operations and why AI-ready infrastructure is essential for resilient care”, explores how artificial intelligence is poised to transform healthcare delivery over the next decade—and what that means for hospitals being planned and designed today.

Drawing on experience from major healthcare redevelopment projects and global exemplars, Megan and Daniel will examine five emerging AI-driven capabilities expected to reshape care models, from early-warning clinical analytics and intelligent patient flow to ambient clinical documentation and precision diagnostics.

Their presentation highlights how digital infrastructure, resilient networks, sensor-enabled environments, interoperability, digital twins, and flexible technology pathways are becoming essential foundations for healthcare facilities, so they can adapt, evolve, and support both patients and care teams in an increasingly complex healthcare landscape.

As healthcare facilities navigate workforce challenges, growing demand, and rapid technological change, designing AI-ready hospitals is becoming critical to creating more resilient, patient-centred environments.

We look forward to furthering this important global conversation on the future of healthcare design.

 
 

Robots to the Rescue: Streamlining Hospital Operations to Lighten the Load on Staff

Preethi Sethi, Senior Consultant with HH Angus | Angus Connect, will be presenting at the Healthcare Design Conference + Expo (HCD 2025) alongside:

  • Henry Feng, Senior Manager, Engineering & Facilities Management, Providence Health Care
  • Pam McTeague, Global Clinical Operations Consultant (USA)

Also attending from HH Angus – Megan Angus, Senior Vice President, Strategy and Digital Services | Vice President Angus Connect.

As hospitals navigate ongoing staff shortages, this session explores how advanced logistics technologies—including automated guided vehicles (AGVs), mobile robots, and pneumatic systems—can help streamline operations, automate routine tasks, and allow healthcare professionals to focus on what matters most: patient care.

Drawing on real-world lessons from the New St. Paul’s Hospital project, the discussion will highlight how early planning, smart design, and collaboration are key to successfully integrating automation into hospital workflows. The team will also compare design-build-finance (DBF) and public-private partnership (P3) models, sharing strategies for effective change management and staff engagement.

By embracing intelligent automation, healthcare organizations can create more resilient, efficient, and patient-centred environments—lightening the load on staff while improving quality of care.

 
Image of solar panels

This article was originally published in District Energy Magazine, Q4 2024.

As the world races the clock to meet climate targets, communities are proving to be vital players.

Utility master planning and climate action plans are guiding the way, and community engagement is emerging as a pivotal force in helping both deliver. UMP and CAP plans touch everywhere we work and live – from busy urban streets to rural settings.

The district energy sector is becoming better versed in the technicalities of the energy transition. However, technology is just one side of the coin. The other equally crucial side is community willpower.

In my opinion, there are no significant technology challenges to reaching our climate targets. The solutions exist today.

Much is yet to be done on the community engagement front, however, and this is not as easy as it sounds.

Communities that stand united and act on plans to achieve common goals will be the ones that adjust best and benefit most from the transition. A greenhouse gas reduction project might look perfect on paper. However, it may well face unforeseen challenges without community support. On the bright side, we’ve witnessed projects fast-tracked and costs reduced when the community is genuinely involved. This proves to us – the technical crowd – the value of community engagement.

“A sense of ownership among stakeholders is crucial to long-term success."

I see community engagement in sustainable energy planning facing three primary categories of challenges.

  • First, social and cultural barriers. These include general resistance to change, especially where large infrastructure projects are required, and equity concerns, which can hinder progress and create skepticism;
  • Second, technical and economic hurdles, such as the novelty and complexity of modern energy systems, financial constraints and the difficulty of communicating long-term benefits;
  • Third, institutional and logistical obstacles, including regulatory barriers, coordination difficulties, and the need to attend to diverse and competing interests.

All of the above can slow effective engagement and delay sustainable energy initiatives. Overcoming these challenges requires a comprehensive approach that addresses social, technical and institutional factors simultaneously. That is an effective community engagement strategy.

Effective community engagements tap the combined power of several interconnected strategies. Tailored approaches – customized by site and place – recognize each community’s unique characteristics, ensuring that energy and climate action plans resonate within local and project specific contexts.

The concept of "co-creation" taps into local knowledge and fosters a sense of ownership among stakeholders, crucial for long-term success. This approach can be supported by using interactive platforms and technology that democratize the planning process, allowing for diverse participation.

Transparency and continuous communication build trust and maintain community interest, while establishing robust feedback mechanisms creates a dynamic dialogue between project developers, users, regulators, financiers and other stakeholders. Capacity building and education help communities make informed decisions, which in turn demystifies complex concepts and helps highlight long-term benefits.

We know of real-world examples that show the transformative power of effective community engagement. Projects such as Rethink Glasgow and the 3NE solar farm in Alberta showcase how inclusive approaches and active participation can lead to sustainable outcomes.

The Rethink Glasgow initiative exemplifies how using robust digital technology can succeed in community engagement aimed at creating a greener urban environment. The Glasgow project sought to gather input from residents on sustainable urban development post-pandemic. It utilized an interactive online map where residents could drop pins and offer suggestions about making various city areas more sustainable. And it allowed over 1,300 residents to actively contribute ideas to the city’s climate action plan, democratizing the planning process and ensuring that diverse voices and ideas were considered.

Image of map with locations marked

“Rethink Glasgow used digital technology to collect input. The map here shows a pattern of feedback that included 1,300 residents." Rethink Glasgow

Engagement was straightforward and accessible, allowing residents to participate at any time and from anywhere. The result was a community-driven climate action plan that reflected the actual needs and aspirations of residents. Insights gathered from this engagement have shaped the city’s strategies for a more resilient and sustainable future, and the project has been recognized for its innovative approach to civic participation.

Development of the 3NE solar farm project in Fort Chipewyan, Alberta, serves as another powerful example of effective community engagement. Owned by the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation, Mikisew Cree First Nation and the Fort Chipewyan Metis Association, the project involved indigenous stakeholders at every decision-making stage. This strategy ensured that the project not only aligned with the community’s energy needs but also enhanced its understanding of renewable energy technologies.

“Communicating in a way that transcends mere consultation."

Community members engaged through consultations and participatory decision-making, which improved energy literacy and gave residents an ownership point of view. This involvement also helped developers manage the project efficiently, allowing it to be completed on time and under budget, enabling the community to reinvest savings into other sustainability initiatives, such as a wood-fuel business, further promoting local economic development and energy resiliency.

The 3NE solar farm now supplies over 25% of Fort Chipewyan’s annual electricity needs, reducing reliance on diesel fuel by more than 200,000 gallons per year and cutting annual greenhouse gas emissions by 2,535 tons. The project demonstrates the environmental and economic benefits of community-engaged renewable energy initiatives and highlights the critical role of local community leadership in advancing sustainable energy solutions.

In essence, the power of community engagement strategies lies in its ability to transform residents from passive observers to active participants in shaping their futures.

That said, it’s important to understand that the role of community engagement transcends mere consultation. It’s about co-creating a future where voices are heard, concerns are addressed and more potential solutions are considered.

By adopting these strategies, communities and project developers can create resilient, sustainable communities that are well-equipped to tackle the challenges of climate change. As we move forward, embracing community engagement as a fundamental component of sustainable energy planning will be crucial in driving us toward our climate goals.

For find out how an integration strategy can help your building’s technology transition, contact us at connectconsulting@hhangus.com.

Image of 14 ways to encourage project support

This table illustrates the multifaceted nature of effective community engagement in sustainable energy planning, particularly
for district energy systems. At its core, successful engagement relies on a comprehensive strategy that combines various approaches

Portrait of Mike Hassaballa

Mike Hassaballa, MA.Sc., P.Eng., is Manager, Decarbonization, at HH Angus and Associates, where he focuses on advancing sustainable solutions for project design and operation and on decarbonizing heating and cooling systems and promoting eco-friendly construction practices. 

Mike Hassaballa                               
MA.Sc., P.Eng.

E: mike.hassaballa@hhangus.com