Any workplace relocation can be a tedious process. Aside from moving equipment, there is also the human impact to consider. This cannot be truer than when applied to relocating hospitals and laboratories.
Why? Well, these organisations use expensive equipment and countless people rely on their constant running. So, it’s crucial that any move is done right. And what is the best way to undertake a hospital or laboratory relocation? By planning from the outset, of course.
How do you Move Hospital and Laboratory Equipment?
So, first things first – what is the relocation process most commonly used? And how do you move all that equipment?
Laboratory and hospital relocation services generally consist of essential steps such as:
- Initial conversation to identify requirements.
- Site visit to assess scale and challenge of the relocation.
- Full quotation with breakdown of costs and proposed schedules.
- Meet with customer to plan the move
- Preparation of Risk Assessment and Method Statement (RAMS)
- Decommissioning of specialist equipment.
- Packaging and loading of all equipment and furniture.
- Transport to new premises or to temporary storage facility.
- Unloading, locating, and installing equipment and furniture at the new premises.
- Recommission of all specialist equipment, including IT/telecoms setup.
Throughout your relocation process, your chosen mover must adapt to any challenges that may arise to ensure they meet established deadlines.
Key Considerations when Relocating Hospitals and Laboratories
No two moves are identical. And yet, there are common considerations when it comes to relocating hospitals and laboratories. Here are some of those considerations:
- Inventory
Prior to shipping any equipment, it’s essential that you assess your inventory. Make detailed records of what you’ve got and what’s being moved.
Include items such as:
- Equipment such as computers, telephones, etc.
- Furniture such as tables, chairs, etc.
- Non-hazardous materials
- Hazardous materials
Keeping an inventory of your items is critical for the entire relocation process.
- Equipment Service Agreements
Much of the hospital/laboratory equipment you use will have service or maintenance agreements attached to them. These can impact your relocation.
Gain an understanding of what equipment is under a service agreement before making your move. These items generally need to be prepared by the service company before moving and your mover must adhere to protocol, too. If you ship the equipment without following proper protocol, it could negate the equipment warranty.
- Data and Security
A successful hospital or laboratory relocation move relies heavily upon effective administration prep. This includes paper and digital records which must be kept secure, confidential, and intact.
For paper records, your mover may conduct an audit and use GPS-tracked vehicles. For digital records, speak with your IT team. And for computer monitors, anti-static bubble wrap helps to prevent damage caused by electrostatic charges during transport or storage.
While a relocation is always going to be a big task, keeping data safe and secure should be a top priority.
- Transportation
Having a detailed transportation plan in place is key to any successful relocation. This plan must include inventory and equipment that requires specific care, such as temperature control or fragile items. This brings us to specialist vehicles – does your equipment require them?
Your chosen mover should also know the route they will take in advance and provide security if needed. Furthermore, they must have the required crates, skates, or jacks available so they can transport the equipment.
And what about heavy equipment or items stored in difficult to access places? It’s important to factor in exactly how the equipment will be removed from the building.
- Communication
Hospitals and laboratories, like most organisations, consist of various teams. As such, you must communicate with your teams on timings and specifications and consider their unique requests. Additionally, work with your stakeholders to gauge any additional requests they have. It might transpire that you need specialist movers for certain equipment.
While your movers will be there with you from Point A to Point B, remember too that you must communicate with those responsible for guaranteeing that the sign-off process is watertight. This is an important step when ensuring everyone is happy and the move has been completed to satisfaction.
Final Considerations
As previously mentioned, any hospital or laboratory relocation is going to be a big project that requires smart planning and execution. From packing away telephones to securing personal information, there must be no stone left unturned.
Completing the relocation efficiently and effectively sets you up for the best possible restart, too. And that is exactly why choosing the right moving partner is so important.
Relocating a Hospital or Laboratory
Relocating a hospital or laboratory? Looking for smart solutions tailored to meet your needs? Well, at Cronin Group, we have years of experience in supporting companies to complete large scale moves.
Get your move off to the best possible start by contacting our Workplace Relocations team today.