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DH Estates and Facilities Knowledge and Information

  • Last modified date:
    16 July 2008

DH Estates and Facilities produces guidance for NHS organisations and individuals with an interest in land, property, equipment and facilities. This information can be used to support the effective management and utilisation of property and equipment and procurement of new buildings.

The majority of DH Estates and Facilities guidance documents are published as part of the following series:

  • Health Building Notes (HBN) - advice to project teams designing and planning new buildings and adapting/extending existing buildings;
  • Health Technical Memoranda (HTM) - guidance for the design, installation and running of specialised building service systems;
  • Model Engineering Specifications (MES) - essential guidance for those responsible for the design, installation and operation of engineering services in healthcare buildings.

NHS trusts in England and all UK government departments can download core guidance (HBNs, HTMs etc) from KIP. Executive summaries are available to all subscribers.

All other organisations can purchase electronic copies of core guidance from IHS Technical Indexes 01344 404429.

Unless otherwise stated, hard copies can be purchased from The Stationery Office:
tel 0870 600 5522 
fax 0870 600 5533.

Guidance publications are supported by the following resources:

  • Schedules of accommodation - details of room spaces and costings incorporating the effects of the Consumerism - Department Cost Allowance (DCAG);
  • Activity DataBase - a briefing, design and commissioning tool for new-build and refurbishment of healthcare buildings in acute and community settings;
  • Quarterly Briefing - a subscription based journal/magazine containing news and information relating to the NHS built environment.

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