This move is driven in part by HTM 62, a technical memorandum issued by the Department of Health, which outlines best practice for demountable storage in healthcare environments. The document does not just call for robust furniture - it demands reconfigurable systems that allow spaces to evolve without costly overhauls or extended shutdowns. This is where modular rail-based systems, such as those from Toprail, one of our subsidiary companies, are coming into their own.

HTM 62 emphasises one thing above all - flexibility. Clinical spaces are not static - rooms designed today may serve a different purpose in a year’s time. That means everything in the space - including storage - needs to adapt. Reconfigurable systems allow shelving, cabinets and work surfaces to be mounted on a wall-fixed rail and repositioned as clinical functions change. Cabinets can be moved, replaced or upgraded without disturbing other elements or the wall itself.

This kind of modularity supports clinical agility, allowing a consultation room to be repurposed for minor procedures or a general store to be reorganised in response to new supply chain demands. As the NHS and private providers push for more flexible, responsive care environments, the ability to adapt the physical space quickly and cost-effectively is becoming fundamental to operational success.

Designed for hygiene

In healthcare, design decisions also come down to one overriding priority - infection control. HTM 62 is clear - materials and finishes must be easy to clean, resistant to bacterial growth and configured in a way that allows thorough environmental cleaning.

Modular systems like ours support this via a raised, wall-mounted design. Units do not sit directly on the floor, which helps cleaners access previously hard-to-reach areas and reduces the risk of debris accumulation. Surfaces are typically non-porous and free from unnecessary seams, making disinfection quicker and more effective.
Perhaps more importantly, storage units can be fully removed if deep cleaning is required after an incident or outbreak. In high-risk environments, that kind of flexibility supports faster response times and greater control over hygiene protocols.
HTM 62 does not just address fitted furniture - it focuses on the people using it. Ergonomics and manual handling are part of the brief, with an emphasis on reducing strain, reaching and lifting where possible.

Modular systems enable this through height-adjustable components. Whether in a treatment room, admin area or pharmacy, shelving and cabinets can be installed - or later repositioned - at appropriate heights to suit the user group. This is especially useful in multi-user or multi-purpose rooms, where requirements can vary significantly. For healthcare providers, this adds a layer of occupational safety and staff wellbeing without requiring new infrastructure or bespoke fittings.

Quick to install and easy to maintain

Another challenge in healthcare refurbishment is time. Rooms cannot be out of action for long, especially in live clinical environments. Modular storage systems offer a practical solution here too. Because these systems are built around a permanent wall-mounted rail, the initial installation is straightforward and subsequent changes require minimal effort.

If a cabinet or shelf is damaged, it can be replaced independently of the rest of the system. If an area is being repurposed, units can be reconfigured using existing parts or additional modular components. Maintenance is efficient and largely non-disruptive, with repairs often carried out in hours rather than days.

A further understated strength of a rail-based modular system is consistency. A single wall rail infrastructure can support multiple room types - from offices to labs - just by changing the fittings. This means storage across an entire facility can share a common design language and installation method, even if the functional needs differ.

That consistency also helps with procurement, planning and user training. Estates teams can hold standardised parts and accessories in stock, making repairs faster. Clinical staff can move between departments without needing to relearn how storage systems work. And architects and designers can work with a known system that meets HTM 62 compliance without reinventing the wheel each time.

Healthcare storage must comply with a wide range of regulations - not only HTM 62, but often in parallel with HTM 71 (for sterile storage areas), fire safety codes and manual handling guidance. The challenge is to meet all of these without exceeding budgets or slowing project timelines.

Systems that are HTM 62-aligned from the outset offer assurance without the complexity. They're already built to meet load-bearing, hygiene and ergonomic standards. They have been tested in real-world environments and they are designed to integrate into existing facilities with minimal disruption.

More importantly, they offer lifecycle value. Instead of ripping out and replacing furniture with every service change or layout revision, facilities can adapt with existing components and keep capital spending under control.

Supporting the evolving NHS

All this is in response to the fact that healthcare delivery is changing. From digital consultation rooms to community hubs and integrated care centres, the built environment is under pressure to become more agile, more connected and more efficient. Static design is not always the best answer.

Modular storage may seem like a small detail in this broader transformation, but it plays a critical role. It allows rooms to keep up with service redesigns. It supports rapid repurposing during surges in demand and it helps clinical teams get the best from their environment.

The benefit is felt at every level with fewer delays, lower refurbishment costs, greater compliance and improved staff and patient experience. That’s what flexible infrastructure should deliver and it’s why modular, HTM 62-compliant systems like Toprail are not just a design trend – they are fast becoming the standard.