Summary
The design, construction and management of privately funded National Health Service (NHS) hospitals is satisfactory or better, according to the National Audit Office.
Private Finance Initiative (PFI) hospital contracts, awarded and managed by local Trusts, ensure the upkeep of services including cleaning and catering and require buildings to be maintained in a specified condition. Currently there are 76 operational PFI contracts in England supported by the Department of Health.
Types of Trust managing contracts:
- Foundation Trusts (Foundations) manage 39% of contracts
- 49% are managed by NHS Trusts
- 12% of contracts are managed by Primary Care Trusts (PCTs).
‘The Performance and Management of Hospital PFI Contracts’ (HC 68) reports on the conservation of hospitals under the PFI contracts once opened for use and how they are managed by the Trusts. Moreover, how the Department supports Trusts in their management is also a main focus.
Key topics discussed:
- The performance and cost of PFI hospital contracts
- PFI contract management
- The role of the Department
Positive, proven results are essential for the running of PFI funded projects as income from Primary Care Trusts is monitored on a Payment by Results scheme. While this method gives less freedom than block funding hospitals, it encourages efficiency savings.
The report found that the majority of Trusts had consistent or improved performance over time with an overall satisfaction rate of 67%. However, with 33% of Trusts dissatisfied with at least one of the PFI contracted services, there is scope for improvements.
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