Furniture, fixtures and equipment (FF&E) spending is the second largest cost in healthcare infrastructure projects after construction. Yet FF&E planning often doesn’t get the attention it deserves. Effective FF&E planning is critical to creating modern, efficient healthcare facilities that meet current and future needs.
The role of an FF&E consultant in healthcare projects
In Canada, healthcare facilities often rely on internal teams for FF&E planning. While these teams have valuable clinical insight, they may lack the specialized expertise and resources required for large-scale projects. An experienced FF&E consultant brings:
- Broad technology vision: Provides insight into current and emerging medical technologies.
- Dedicated planning focus: Use of specialized tools and methodologies to streamline the planning process.
- Standardization and Integration: Ensure consistency in all equipment and furniture selections.
- Design and implementation efficiency: Avoid costly mistakes through meticulous planning.
- Optimal materials selection: Select materials that meet clinical and infection control standards.
A proven approach to FF&E consulting
Successful healthcare infrastructure projects require more than great design-they require seamless integration of furniture, fixtures, and equipment (FF&E). Without a structured approach, planning, procurement and installation of FF&E can lead to inefficiencies, delays, and unnecessary costs.
At CIM Conseil, we take a strategic and practical approach to FF&E consulting. Working with architects, engineers, and clinical teams, we ensure that every piece of equipment and furniture is thoughtfully selected, aligned with the needs of the facility, and seamlessly integrated into the design. Our expertise in technical specifications, procurement management, and equipment coordination allows us to optimize reuse, streamline bidding processes, and oversee installation-all while keeping costs under control. Our goal is simple: to provide healthcare organizations with a future-ready environment that improves efficiency and patient care.
Avoiding common FF&E planning pitfalls
Without expert FF&E guidance, even well-planned healthcare projects can face critical challenges. Many organizations underestimate the complexity of FF&E needs, leading to inadequate planning and costly oversights. Procurement missteps and overlooked technical specifications often result in budget overruns and project delays. Poorly managed inventories and a lack of proper tracking tools create logistical inefficiencies that disrupt workflows and increase costs. In addition, when equipment needs are not properly coordinated with the overall building plan, design flaws and last-minute changes can occur, further complicating the project.
Internal teams already stretched thin by day-to-day operations may struggle to effectively manage FF&E, resulting in resource strain and inefficiency. By proactively addressing these risks, CIM Conseil ensures a smooth and cost-effective FF&E implementation, providing clients with peace of mind and healthcare facilities built for long-term success.
CIM Conseil’s FF&E consulting expertise across Canada
CIM Conseil has a proven track record of providing FF&E planning services for healthcare projects across Canada. Our notable projects include
- SickKids – Horizon Project (Toronto, Ontario): Comprehensive FF&E planning for over 30 units, including inventory assessment, obsolescence analysis, and redevelopment recommendations.
- The Moncton Hospital – Coronary Care Unit and Obstetrics and Newborn Care Unit (Moncton, New Brunswick): Conducted equipment inventories, assessed obsolescence, and developed procurement-ready equipment lists with technical data.
- Saint John Regional Hospital Redevelopment (Saint John, New Brunswick): Conducted equipment inventories, assessed obsolescence, and developed procurement-ready equipment lists with technical data. Provided Revit families of new equipment and ensured technical coordination with design teams.
For the past 15 years, CIM Conseil has established itself as the leading authority in FF&E for hospitals, having been involved in all major construction projects across the province of Quebec.
Engaging a specialized FF&E consultant such as CIM Conseil ensures that healthcare infrastructure projects across Canada are equipped to meet current and future needs efficiently and effectively.
