Healthy choices – saving money for the NHS Calderdale & Huddersfield NHS foundation trust

Background

Based in West Yorkshire, the Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust runs Huddersfield Royal Infirmary, Huddersfield and Calderdale Royal Hospital, Halifax. It became a Foundation Trust in 2006 and the estates comprise a range of ancillary buildings and accommodation units.

Challenge

A far reaching relocation and estates upgrade by The Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust required a strategy to protect two vacant and potentially vulnerable properties within their estate. The Laura Mitchell Health Centre services and staff were moving to a nearby location and more modern premises and the property was deemed vulnerable due to its vacation. Southfield Hall had been used as doctor and student accommodation, but was no longer required due to other accommodation options in the local community. The existing security programmes needed to be overhauled and replaced with a cost-effective solution.

Solution

Measures in place prior to Ad Hoc’s engagement had mixed results, neither satisfactory to the Trust: a 24/7 security service employed at the Laura Mitchell Centre was effective but prohibitively expensive.
Ad Hoc Property Guardians lived in the property for 8 months from November 2012.
A regular patrol service for Southfield Hall, although more cost effective, was an ineffective deterrent for vandals and thieves who targeted the property during breaks in the patrols.