News on 11 December 2000
Scotland's First Minister, Henry McLeish, opens a new community
hospital at Cumnock in East Ayrshire this Friday, four months ahead of
schedule and on budget.
The hospital has been procured through the Private Finance Initiative
by Ayrshire and Arran Primary Care NHS Trust working in partnership with
HBG. Facilities management was at the centre of the process through HBG's
new FM arm. HBG FM was able to plot the forward capital costs of the building
and balance them against occupancy as well as establish service levels
- from catering, cleaning and grounds maintenance to patient porterage
and reception services - that were in complete harmony with the evolving
hospital.
HBG FM will deliver most aspects of facilities management within the hospital.
NHS staff formerly providing these services in a nearby facility have
transferred to HBG FM.
The hospital has adopted a patient-centred approach to caring. The facility
combines primary and community services housed on the same site, has digital
X-ray technology and a modern building design. Recognising that personal
needs do not stop when entering the hospital, there is an on-site hairdresser.
The hospital’s catering facility is available to the wider community,
and its therapy gardens provide an enjoyable experience for patients and
visitors alike. Other facilities include a children’s playroom and
a community room which local social groups use in the evening and at weekends
for their meetings.
"It’s more than just a hospital, it is a one-stop polyclinic
and is a real and valued part of the local community, with young and old,
sick and healthy all brought together to experience the benefits that
the facility has to offer," said Joe Linney, HBG’s PFI Operations
Director.
