When relocating services into a new facility, it is essential that service models are reviewed early in the project, and that groups that may be co-located work together to develop and approve effective and efficient service models. As they are developed they should be desk-top tested against as many scenarios as can be thought of before being refined. Communication with staff about progress and new ways of working are paramount in maintaining engagement and facilitating the change when it is required. On-site testing of the ‘final draft’ models will be used to validate they operate as expected and that no serious omissions were made (4). Providing testing was thorough, it should be expected that only small changes will be needed. The changed costs in delivering the services should be known and ideally, these changes will lower operating costs rather than increase them. Overall it should be seen that the new models provide cost savings, even if a few of them are more expensive. Understanding the models in this way should result in an accurate assessment of the costs of running the new facility.

The Promentor® health team have considerable experience in leading the development of new health service models and models of care as part of plans to relocate to a new facility. The team have credibility with clinicians and operational leaders and are able to facilitate collaborative working to result in innovative ways of working that will deliver excellent care, cost efficiencies and enable the avoidance of known pitfalls.