Queen Elizabeth University Hospital Independent Review - report recommendations: Scottish Government response

Response to Recommendations from Chapter 5 – Built Environment: Design

Recommendation 21

21. There should be greater use of digital technologies to create, log and store project documentation. This would allow relevant information to be shared with project partners. It would also facilitate governance, and review of project activities and decisions. (5.7.1)

Scottish Government's Response

The 'ownership' and responsibility for the investment planning process rests with the NHS Scotland body developing or leading the development of the programme/ project in question. The Scottish Government will write to NHS Chief Executives asking them to ensure that they make use of digital technologies to create, log and store project documentation. Health Facilities Scotland is currently leading on providing advice on the logging and storage of project documentation and the Scottish Government will monitor the use of these technologies through the National Centre.

Recommendation 22

22. There should be a reliable system of retaining major project records, with greater use of digital technologies to record images and other documents, as evidence of critical 'hold points' for future checking. (5.7.2)

Scottish Government's Response

The 'ownership' and responsibility for the investment planning process rests with the NHS Scotland body developing or leading the development of the programme/ project in question. The Scottish Government will write to NHS Chief Executives asking them to ensure that they have a reliable system of retaining major project records. The Scottish Government will monitor progress with implementing this recommendation through the National Centre.

Recommendation 23

23. During the process of construction, tasks that do not comply with the specification that the on-site Supervisor identifies must be closed out and should act as a trigger to challenge the contractor if there are repeated errors. (5.7.3).

Scottish Government's Response

The Scottish Government will write to Chief Executives in the new year highlighting this requirement.

Recommendation 24

24. Suitably qualified individuals from the IP&C team, with knowledge and understanding of the built environment, or someone representing the interests of the IP&C team (either from the NHS Board or the new National Centre for Reducing Risk in the Healthcare Built Environment) should have sight of IP&C critical works for comment and have the opportunity to raise any concerns throughout the life of a project. (5.7.4)

Scottish Government's Response

In July 2015 the Scottish Government mandated the use of the HAI-SCRIBE to improve IP&C input into the healthcare built environment.

In addition, the new National Centre will carry out Key Stage Authorisation Reviews of major projects which will review compliance with guidance relating to the reduction of risk in the healthcare built environment. These reviews will initially focus on water, ventilation, drainage, fire, electrical and medical gases as they relate to the built environment, and infection prevention to ensure IP&C expertise is integral to the whole life-cycle of the project.

Recommendation 25

25. All contractors (including sub-contractors) need to understand the implications of (what might seem inconsequential) deviations from prescribed standards for healthcare projects before undertaking such works. Ensuring this should be a vital part of the site management.

Scottish Government's Response

The Scottish Government will write to NHS Chief Executives in the new year asking them to ensure that the necessary steps are in place their area. NHS Boards are responsible for the management of their projects and should take the necessary action to ensure contractors and sub-contractors understand the consequences of deviations from prescribed standards.