3.29.1 The official opening of the facility should be undertaken about three to six months after full occupation has been achieved. This provides an opportunity for staff to become used to their new working environment and any residual post-contract issues to be dealt with.
3.29.2 The arrangements for the opening should be the responsibility of the Commissioning Manager.
3.29.3 NHSScotland Bodies should produce their own local guidelines for dealing with official openings. The person who should undertake the opening usually depends on the size of the facility and its general status in the local community. Once again, the Communications Team will be able to advise.
3.29.4 The official openings should be one of the key dates on the master plan and should be publicised and arranged well in advance to provide maximum impact.
3.29.5 For smaller schemes, it might be appropriate for the chairperson of the provider, or a local dignitary, MSP, MP, MEP or Councillor, to open the facility officially. An alternative is a media celebrity with local links.
3.29.6 For very large schemes, it might be appropriate to approach a senior member of the Government or a member of the Royal Family to undertake the duty. For this it is crucial to understand that many months' notice is required to arrange an agreement with such people. Informal contact should be made with the Ministerial Private Office in the first instance to enquire whether the person would be willing to open the facility and which dates might be suitable. If an informal, positive reply is given, the chairperson of the provider should write to the private office officially making the invitation. It is always wise to have a list of second and third choices on standby if the first choice is unavailable or unwilling to attend. Protocol relating to Royal or Government visits should be checked carefully with the appropriate private office.
3.29.7 The list of invitees should be carefully selected to ensure that it represents a good cross-section of the staff and team involved in the design, commissioning and construction of the facility.