Upon completion of construction (see Management of Construction Projects booklet), the facility must be brought into use. The importance of the commissioning process cannot be underestimated. Failure to adequately consider the commissioning process may result in the loss of many of the benefits predicted for the project.
It is not sufficient to leave it to individual departmental managers to undertake their own commissioning activity. This could result in confusion, waste and the perpetuation of inefficient practices or the continuing use of outdated equipment. Senior managers, users and departmental managers should be fully involved in the process.
This guidance describes how the commissioning process should be organised, the tasks to be addressed and provides supporting advice. The commissioning process should be treated as a distinct sub-project within the overall project to ensure a smooth transition to the new working arrangements and realisation of the anticipated benefits.
The process of commissioning a new facility is as important as those which have gone before it and must be subject to the same commitment, involvement and control by the NHSScotland Body and the senior management.
The commissioning of a healthcare facility embraces two distinct tasks:
• the technical commissioning of the facility. This is dealt with in detail in Chapter 5 of Management of Construction Projects; and
• the operational commissioning of the facility by the Board, which is the subject of this guide.
The following principles should be observed to ensure the success of the commissioning process:
• An effective commissioning organisation must be established, involving the key appointment of a Commissioning Manager, supported by an adequately resourced commissioning team.
• At the earliest possible opportunity, all the tasks which need to be addressed as part of the commissioning process must be identified and included in a commissioning master plan.
• Key stakeholders (internal and external) must be involved at all stages of the commissioning process.
The initial plans for bringing the new facility into use should be prepared during stage 4 of the construction project. The first task should be the appointment of the Commissioning Manager.
This guide assumes that the scheme will be brought about using public capital funding. Should the scheme be delivered through PPP or make use private finance, much of the risk and responsibility for commissioning will rest with the private sector partner/ developer. However, the NHSScotland body will wish to ensure that the facility is brought into use as effectively as possible and therefore, the principles behind the guidance will still apply.