PROJECT PLANNING AND SUPPORT
To try to bring your business case to life, make sure that you use good visuals such as artwork to clearly show to everyone involved what the project will look like, and how it will be constructed
the equipment will come from, and who will maintain it, often get overlooked. You need to be able to properly justify why the investment is worth it and what health benefits it will provide.
Modelling the running costs It is important to also consider the operating costs for the building. It is well worth modelling running costs, and making sure all of the service-providers can afford them before you set off. Early cost and feasibility appraisals can avoid further costs and professional fees. Keep a keen eye on your requirements; every room,
of course, increases your costs, and you do not want to get to the end of the design process and realise that you cannot afford to deliver what you need. Make sure that you also complete your site investigations, secure planning consent, and work out how your utilities will be delivered. Consider starting
site acquisition, asbestos removal, demolition, and site clearance plus diversion of services – this might need a separate business case, but it means you will be able to start earlier on the site once you have the correct approvals.
Contingencies ‘there for a reason’ Remember that your project or programme will always cost more than you think it should – recommended Optimism Bias and contingencies are there for a reason. It may seem odd to add 30% onto your figures at the beginning, but as you get more certainty these allowances will reduce, and you should be 0% at the time of delivery. We have seen extreme increases in construction costs, well above normal inflation rates, and world events mean that we may continue to see volatile changes. This means that monitoring market conditions is more important than ever, and should remain a top priority.
Karina Dare said: “Building a project that the public will approve of and find value in is an essential element of public and patient interaction.”
August 2025 Health Estate Journal 47
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