Procure 21+ launched for NHS construction
3rd August 2010
Health minister Simon Burns has unveiled a new procurement plan
that could save the NHS over £200 million and help hospitals to get
necessary upgrades more quickly.
The Procure 21+ framework will require NHS trusts to choose from
a list of six approved construction companies when building a new
hospital or refurbishing an existing one.
In addition, transparency will be improved under the new system,
as performance outcomes will be offered by each building contractor
and published online so trusts can make a more informed decision
about which firm they employ.
Mr Burns commented: 'The benefits of Procure 21+ are clear - a
streamlined system will mean that NHS organisations will be able to
concentrate on delivering patient care and improving outcomes.'
He added that the savings created by reducing bureaucracy will
allow for greater investment in frontline services, while new
builds and refurbishments are likely to be completed more
efficiently under the framework.
Last week, the Department of Health revealed that it will slash
the number of its 'arm's length bodies' from the current 18 to
between eight and ten in a bid to reduce bureaucracy in the
NHS.