Fresh start for team who keep our sites running smoothly
A new chapter begins today for the team responsible for the smooth running of our hospitals and health buildings.
From now, Solent’s Premises Team will be known as our Estates Locality Team – a title more reflective of the very wide-ranging work that comes under their responsibility.
The department has refocused its structure and roles with more clearly defined responsibilities for each “layer” of the team, with the ultimate aim of ensuring every site runs as efficiently and effectively as possible.
Our three Estates Locality Managers – and one Assistant Estates Locality Manager – will take on a more strategic role, focusing on areas like maximising occupancy and utilisation, business development, tenant liaison and engaging with the community.
Meanwhile our friendly and knowledgeable Receptionists will remain the first point of contact for the majority of enquiries – everything from helping with desk and room bookings to receiving deliveries and pointing patients in the right direction.
Reception Supervisors will concentrate more on training, building operating procedures, space enquiries and other tasks around reception management.
Steve Scutchings, Estates Site Operations Manager, said: “Earlier this year, we introduced a uniform for our reception staff in an effort to increase awareness of the important role they do and all it involves.
“Our front of house team are usually the first people patients and their families encounter when they come into one of our buildings and play a crucial role in helping to put people at ease.
“This re-launch of our team is the natural next step; we want to raise awareness of what we are all about and encourage colleagues to direct their enquiries to the right person wherever possible.”
Steve added: “Solent NHS Estates and Facilities is a great place to work and, within it, our Estates Locality Team has bags of experience and exciting plans for the future.
“Our Estates Locality Managers are effectively the voice of our buildings. Rather than getting involved in the day-to-day enquiries, they will be focusing more on long-term planning – ensuring that all our buildings are as safe and the best that they can possibly be for our patients, staff and visitors in the years to come.”