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

Response to Recommendations from Chapter 6 – Built Environment: Commissioning

Recommendation 26

26. There should always be an Independent Commissioning Engineer, covering at least water and ventilation systems, to ensure testing and commissioning is undertaken in an appropriate manner and in a timely fashion, and that the contractor responsible for commissioning makes available certification and documentation for future reference. (6.7.1)

Scottish Government's Response

The Scottish Government will make this a requirement for all capital projects as this will form part of the work programme and area of responsibility for the National Centre.

Recommendation 27

27. Commissioning plans should allow a realistic timeframe for testing and commissioning, along with early-warnings to address anticipated problems or non-compliances. (6.7.2)

Scottish Government's Response

The commissioning of a healthcare facility is a major undertaking and realistic timeframes must be set to allow for anticipated problems and non-compliances to be addressed. We will write to NHS Chief Executives asking them to ensure that this recommendation is acted upon by their organisations.

Recommendation 28

28. There should be a transparent approach of presumption of data sharing with stakeholders in a way that fully evidences assurances that internal governance and external authorities seek.

Scottish Government's Response

The Scottish Government will write to NHS Chief Executives in the new year asking them to ensure that this recommendation is acted upon by their organisations.

Recommendations 29 and 30

29. Resources for operational commissioning, and migration of services, should be proportionate to the scale of the task, including potential double running of old and new hospitals. (6.7.4)

30. Project Boards should place adequate value and invest resource in verification and smooth handover, in line with best practice and recent reports on testing, commissioning and certification, especially regarding water and ventilation systems; this should be considered separately from the requirements for design advice and on-site supervisor services with a realistic budget for both. (6.7.5)

Scottish Government's Response

The Commissioning Guidance, which forms part of the Scottish Capital Investment Manual states:

"The importance of the commissioning process cannot be under-estimated, as failure to adequately consider this process is likely to cause increases to project costs and failure to deliver agreed service benefits and project outcomes."

The Scottish Capital Investment Manual sets out guidance on the Commissioning Process which all NHS bodies are required to follow. We will write to NHS Chief Executives reminding them of their obligation to follow the Commissioning Guidance and instructing them to ensure that this recommendation is implemented.