Service integration and multiskilling in facilities management within the UK National Health Service

Reports on research which was funded by the 20 NHS trusts which are members of the Health Service Facilities Management Research and Application Forum co‐ordinated by the Unit for Facilities Management Research at Sheffield Hallam University. Using a literature search and by collecting primary data from NHS and non‐NHS organizations, tested the hypothesis that the introduction of multiskilling and/or generic working can give an organization greater efficiency and also provide job enrichment for its workers. These benefits will increasingly lead NHS trusts to introduce these systems as a means of making effective use of the available resources. Refers to recent changes in the pattern of working in NHS trusts. Uses various case studies to provide guidance. These, together with the primary information, are used to identify the key success factors and the potential dangers of implementing multiskilling or generic working. Also outlines steps for the introduction of these policies into an NHS trust.