A+DS introduce ‘Design Assessment in the Business Case’

NHSScotland is to lead the way in public procurement by introducing a system of design assessment into the business case approvals process. Following the Cabinet Secretary’s announcement in 2009, A+DS’ healthcare programme has been working with partners at Health Facilities Scotland, SGHD and with selected Health Boards to develop a methodology of defining design objectives for projects and valuing these in the decision to fund the proposed development. The resultant process, which is being piloted in during 2010/11, was introduced to NHSScotland’s Capital Investment Network at a meeting this week at Victoria Quay. The move was received as a welcome focus on the long term benefits that can be realised through public clientship. Further guidance, and a supporting web-based resource, are to follow at the begging of June.