3.25.1 Decommissioning is the process by which a redundant site or facility is taken out of operational use following the transfer into the new facility. The new owners of the site may influence this process.
3.25.2 A policy for the disposal of surplus equipment must be agreed, in order that equipment can be redistributed elsewhere in the NHSScotland Body if necessary, or sold or scrapped. The policy should refer to the Procurement/Financial Standing Orders to ensure the process is administered correctly as well as the requirements of the NHSScotland Property Transactions Handbook. This also involves the process by which unwanted items could be sold to staff. This again requires careful management.
3.25.3 It is useful to identify a central storage facility for surplus assets where equipment can be transferred after the transfer and closure of each department. An inventory should be kept so that the assets can be removed from the NHS Board's asset register when necessary.
3.25.4 If services are to be transferred from old buildings or another site on a phased basis, ongoing maintenance and security will be necessary during this period.
3.25.5 Temporary signs should be provided indicating departments which have closed and been transferred. The local police force should be informed of closures in advance of the event.
3.25.6 Measures should be taken to make safe any plant or equipment not to be removed. Lifts and other plants should be deactivated and sealed off. Any large built-in refrigerators will need to have their doors removed and consideration given to the removal/disposal of hazardous materials/medical records and clinical waste.
3.25.7 Ensure early consideration is given to amend/ phase out all relevant contracts, e.g. maintenance, utilities etc.
3.25.8 This process must be well managed for large schemes and responsibilities well defined. A contingency budget is essential.