A new generation of NHS primary care properties will require support through a ‘partnership’ with the private sector – whilst ensuring a ‘responsible approach’ will be needed to offer the best possible value and quality for money, accordingly to Councillor Chris Whitehouse. He reiterated the warnings of Sir Robert Naylor that high-quality service and patient care is being hindered due to the high volume of NHS buildings which are in need of being upgraded and modernised.

The Naylor Report and The NHS Five Year Forward View are set to be key talking points of the Healthcare Estates Development Forum – our one-day conference which will hear directly from NHS Organisations on the challenges they’re facing in their estates, property and facilities environment, where we’re also offering delegates to showcase best practice to those NHS Trusts attending.

Councillor Whitehouse said that the £10billion estate investment announced by Chancellor Phillip Hammond in Novembers budget would have to have the support of the private sector. He also highlighted the value of the Local Improvement Finance Trust (LIFT) compared to other such initiatives, in which he recognised its capability to support and maintain premises which could deliver a range of services to support local communities, as well as allowing facilities to be adapted to changing needs and utilised to best effect. The LIFT model was established in 2000 as a sponsored partnership between the public and private sectors, with both coming together to combine skills, expertise and resources to support, improve and deliver lasting transformation of the NHS primary care and community estate.

He said: ”Sir Robert Naylor’s report showed the alarming number of NHS premises that are more than 30 years old. We cannot expect GPs and healthcare professionals to deliver the services patients need in local communities if the buildings they work in are simply not up to scratch. There’s an understandable hesitancy about the role of the private sector in delivering public services and infrastructure given recent events, but it’s important to remember that the LIFT model has been proven over nearly two decades. It’s delivered more than 330 fit for purpose buildings, and generated more than £2.5bn of investment in the primary care estate. These premises allow for the delivery of a multitude of services, ensuring patients get the care they need without resorting to acute settings, and delivering value for money to the health service.”

Join us at the Healthcare Estates Development Forum to hear about the NHS estates and facilities challenges.