The final business case and Gate 2 review identified the need for a change management strategy within RCH which would also consider models of care. In November 2005, DHS engaged a consultant to work with RCH to develop a strategy which would address the need for changes to RCH management, clinical and business processes and define new service delivery principles. This strategy was to assist in defining the new models of care. The progressive outcomes of this process were reported to the DHS project team preparing the RCH project brief.
After the business case stage, extensive consultation and analysis was also conducted by RCH involving clinicians, hospital administrators and DHS to further develop models of care. The outcome of this work was reflected in the functional brief component of the RCH project brief which was finalised in October 2006.
The functional brief detailed the scope, operational description, functional content, functional relationships, description of accommodation, building requirements and schedule of accommodation, for each of the clinical and administrative (support) units in the hospital. This implicitly related to and reflected the proposed models of care.
The RCH project brief was peer reviewed by the RCH executive, the RCH redevelopment committee and the RCH project steering committee and found to draw on robust models of care. The Government approved the release of the RCH project brief in October 2006.
During the course of the audit, concerns were expressed by some RCH clinicians that their views were not adequately addressed or taken into account in planning for the new hospital. This is a challenge for any major project such as the new RCH, particularly where highly committed professionals are involved in the process. The audit found that there were opportunities for clinical input during the planning stages of the project.
The functional brief stated that a key principle in the development of models of care was flexibility so that each could be altered and further developed to incorporate the lessons of new clinical research on best practices, or unforseen changes to service need.
The RCH is currently engaged in a process to review its Service Plan with a planned completion date of mid-2009. It is planned that this process will involve on-going consultation with RCH clinicians, patient families and other health services.