Chaplaincy Services Review
Following a failure across multiple sites within the Trust to meet Care Quality Commission (CQC) standards due to insufficient prayer facilities, GenNorth was engaged by Northumbria Healthcare FM (NHFM)) to carry out a Trust-wide review of chaplaincy facilities across all hospital sites. Additionally, GenNorth was tasked with developing a stage two design for Wansbeck and North Tyneside hospitals, where demand for prayer facilities had significantly increased.
To address procurement requirements, GenNorth created a tender pack for the design team, including scoping documents and pricing criteria, which was issued to three architectural firms. While awaiting tender submissions, GenNorth collaborated with the lead stakeholder to conduct an optioneering exercise for Wansbeck and North Tyneside. After consulting with end users, viable options for both sites were agreed upon one week prior to appointing the design team. This proactive approach streamlined the design team's efforts, eliminating the need for further optioneering during their tenure.
GenNorth also conducted site visits to various hospitals to evaluate existing chaplaincy facilities, gauge the demand for prayer spaces, and determine cost-effective solutions to address the lack of such facilities. A comprehensive report was presented to the Trust, detailing issues at each site and proposing remedial measures—either through minor works projects or capital schemes.
Key Achievements
Stakeholder engagement facilitated the selection of realistic options that respected existing departmental boundaries, ensuring efficient use of space without encroachment.
Despite space constraints at North Tyneside General Hospital (NTGH), GenNorth successfully secured stakeholder approval for options that adhered to the department's existing footprint.
By January 2025, the stage two design incorporated departmental requirements, effectively meeting CQC regulations.
Key Challenges and Lessons Learned
With a minimal budget for the project, GenNorth devised a cost-efficient procurement strategy, which provided the Trust with visibility of overall design costs. This approach enabled GenNorth to progress to the end of stage two while submitting a business case for further approval. Following approval, additional Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) stages were planned.
Key Information
Location: North East
Date Started: September 2024
Sector: Healthcare
Services: Project Management
