A document titled A risk-based methodology for establishing and managing backlog and published by The Stationery Office puts forward best practice advice, and, for this HEJ article, extracts of the contents have been adapted.
It is essential that the physical condition of the NHS estate is accurately assessed and maintained to ensure it is fit for purpose and safe for patients and staff.
It also introduces a model for measuring risk in relation to sub-standard assets so that investment can be prioritised. This model is one that has been tried and tested within NHS organisations.
Once the risks associated with substandard assets have been assessed, high and significant risk elements should be addressed as a priority as part of the estate investment planning process. The Trust board should take account of both immediate investment needs and longer-term demands to upgrade and develop new facilities.
The document is targeted at NHS Trust directors of estates and facilities management and technical officers who are responsible for establishing the extent of backlog and the reporting of this; chief executives, directors of finance and risk managers within NHS organisations responsible for strategic and business continuity planning and for capital investment decision making; and Private Finance Initiative (PFI) consortia.
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