The Development of a Points System to Compare the Potential Running Costs of Different Development Options for New Hospitals

Abstract

The points system provides a simple method of assessing the design aspects of health care facilities which have a significant influence on their eventual operating costs. It is intended to assist planning teams working in the early stages of designing a health care facility. The system offers a systematic form of analysis which should be used in the preparation of development proposals as an aide-memoir, and as a method of comparing and evaluating alternative design solutions. It comprises seventeen worksheets which should be used by planning teams as a checklist of Design for Reduced Operating Costs factors. The system was developed by using the ‘delphi’ methodology and has been tested in a series of repeatability tests and field trials; and it is now being used for developments within the NHS.

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