"A comprehensive review of NHS infrastructure planning, funding and delivery is critical to address the scale of challenges across the entire estate.”
In response to the Department of Health and Social Care’s ‘New Hospital Programme review outcome’, CIPFA Policy Manager Health and Integration Dr Eleanor Roy, said:
“The findings of this review align with the National Audit Office's (NAO) conclusions that the New Hospitals Programme was underfunded and was unlikely to deliver value for money as planned. The Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) welcomes the revised plan and its outline for a more realistic approach to long-term funding.
“That said, leaders, staff and patients in those hospitals facing further long delays will undoubtedly feel significant disappointment, especially during a period of severe overcrowding and heightened concerns about patient safety. The condition of ageing facilities continues to hinder efforts to improve productivity and performance. In the meantime, these hospitals will face mounting costs to maintain deteriorating infrastructure.
“However, the challenges within the NHS estate extend far beyond hospitals. While the Spring Budget provided £1 billion for critical maintenance, this sum falls drastically short of addressing the £13.8 billion maintenance backlog. As Lord Darzi's report on the state of the National Health Service in England highlights, a comprehensive approach is urgently needed – one that encompasses community and primary care estates as well as hospitals.
“CIPFA acknowledges the more pragmatic and longer-term perspective set out in this plan. However, we urge the government to adopt a broader and more strategic view of the NHS estate. This must include not only the overall levels of investment and its allocation but also a thorough, end-to end review of the entire capital regime and infrastructure planning and delivery. CIPFA’s report, 'Exploring challenges and opportunities for the NHS estate', provides clear recommendations to guide these efforts."
Notes to editors: