Two expert writers highlight some of the problems with existing wording and phraseology in guidance and standards documents.
Inconsistencies in language usage in guidance documents that impose compliance obligations can lead to confusion and misinterpretation, argue John Prendergast and Sue Holding, directors of Technical Publishing Resources, both of whom have extensive experience in compiling and editing healthcare estates technical information. In this article they look at language use in Health Building Notes (HBNs) and Health Technical Memoranda (HTMs), highlight some of the problems with existing wording and phraseology, and suggest a way forward.
Health Building Notes HBNs) (originally called Hospital Building Notes) and Health Technical Memoranda (HTMs) have been providing healthcare-estates-related guidance since the 1960s. They are quoted in Hansard as being ‘best practice’ documents that are designed to help all those organisations involved in the design, construction, procurement, and maintenance of the NHS estate to comply with any relevant legislation, regulations, and standards. In turn, the Care Quality Commission cites adherence to HTMs and HBNs as a means of complying with its fundamental standards.
Mandatory or not
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