NHS Property Services (NHSPS) has launched a website to streamline the finding and booking of clinical and non-clinical space across the NHS estate.
Named NHS Open Space, it has been developed with Kajima Community, a technology company that specialises in supporting public sector bodies in optimising the use of their facilities.
It is run by NHSPS to offer the health service a one-system and self-service solution to book and pay for rooms, along with facilities management and customer service. The platform currently takes in 100 sites with a further 45 to become available in August.
Kajima Community said it was developed based on feedback from NHSPS customers that used the service during its pilot phase that was launched in 2019.
Christopher King, principal strategic asset manager at NHSPS, said: “The intuitive booking system means that users only pay for the time and space they need, which could provide much needed relief on finances for independent and small businesses in the midst of the pandemic. It also makes better use of the NHS estate, driving money back into the health service at a critical time.
“I’m excited to see NHS Open Space grow and evolve in the coming year, with plans to expand rapidly across the NHS Property Services portfolio in 2021.”
Re-investment
Kajima’s head of community Chris Smith said it would provide cost savings and additional revenue for re-investing in frontline services.
The premise of NHS Open Space is to use NHS buildings to maximise the range of health and wellbeing services offered to communities, using existing NHS centres instead of requiring expensive external space. It forms part of the NHS’s ongoing work to offer a greater number of services in local communities, reducing the pressure on large hospitals and making life easier for patients.
Image form NHSPS
