Terry Robertson Facilities Manager

Jacqui Grimwood Facilities Project Manager

Introduction

Modern – adj. 1. of the present and recent times 2. in current fashion; not antiquated

Modernise – v.  1. make modern; adapt to modern needs or habits 2. adopt modern ways or views.

The above definitions, taken directly from the Oxford Dictionary, describe very simply what modernisation is all about.

It is very easy, for any organisation, when confronted with a whole assortment of daily challenges, to simply carry on with it’s tried and tested methods of meeting those challenges without necessarily looking for more efficient or cost effective solutions. This is perfectly understandable and acceptable when the focus is to identify the solution to a problem rather than an alternative.

The role of the Facilities Modernisation team is to therefore take a holistic view of some of the things we do and services we provide, and to explore different options to accepted custom and practices. This may not result in a significant change in every circumstance, but critical self-examination has to be good for the organisation, and will frequently result in benefits to the Trust as a whole.

What we do

Our challenge is to translate the facilities aspects of the NHS Plan into practice.  In assisting our colleagues in the Directorate we will make improvements which patients, visitors and staff can sense, touch and feel.

It involves three things:

·         renewal - making good the years of under-investment and 'making do'

·         redesign - changing the way that services are delivered to make them work better for patients and staff

·         respect - re-instilling in the service a sense of respect and pride in achievement

We strive to look for new ways of working by identifying good practice form external organisations and from other departments within, in addition to challenging our existing ways of working.

Themes that we are currently working on are: -

·         Hospital cleanliness 

·         Hospital food

·         Increasing capacity for patients

·         Development of improved information management and technology

·         Developing the Directorate and our people

·         Improving the working lives of staff

·         Working in partnership with external agencies and user representation

Organisational structure