Nicholas Soames – 2016 Parliamentary Question to the Department of Health
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Nicholas Soames on 2016-06-07.
To ask the Secretary of State for Health, if he will undertake a review of the reasons for the length of time taken by NHS Property Services to take decisions related to property in (a) West Sussex, (b) Mid Sussex and (c) East Grinstead.
George Freeman
Officials at NHS Property Services (NHSPS) are not aware of any undue delays with regard to decision making in these areas.
As a publically funded company, NHSPS takes its duty to ensure that properties are managed efficiently and that its services and transactions achieve best value both on behalf of the National Health Service and the taxpayer. NHSPS undertakes comprehensive due diligence on all property transactions to ensure all risks and liabilities are managed appropriately before legal documents are executed.
Forthcoming planned work at East Grinstead Health Clinic forms part of a programme of works that is being worked up for 15 properties across Sussex. At East Grinstead, this is likely to focus on:
― Equality Act compliance;
― Fire safety improvement; and
― Roof insulation.
The following table summarises the capital projects underway, planned or proposed for the Mid and West Sussex area. The Company’s primary customers for these projects are Crawley Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and Horsham and Mid-Sussex CCG who commissioner clinical services and lead development of Local Estate Strategies for the areas they cover.
|
Location |
Project |
Value |
Current Position |
|
Sidney West Primary Care Centre |
Diagnostics refurbishment |
To be confirmed |
This does not have an approved business case. Confirmation is being sought from the CCGs as to the specification of works they would wish us to undertake. Timescales for delivery cannot be confirmed at this point. |
|
Horsham Hospital |
Landlord works: Flooring, windows and roofing |
£0.61 million |
NHSPS are investing in a package of landlord works within Horsham Hospital including the gym refurbishment, new flooring in key areas and the refurbishment of windows. The works will start in June 2016 and are expected to be complete in October 2016. |
|
Horsham Hospital |
Muskoskeletal Physiotherapy (MSK) |
£1.20 million |
NHSPS are currently delivering the final phase of the MSK programme. The £2.4 million construction works at Horsham and Crawley are being managed by NHS PS as a single project and are due for completion on 20 July 2016. |
|
Crawley Hospital |
MSK |
£1.20 million |
Please see above Horsham MSK position. |
|
Crawley Hospital |
Sub-acute ward refurbishment |
£3.97 million |
This project is for development of a 26 bed step-up/step-down facility housed within the Crawley Hospital red wing 6th floor. Works have been designed and priced. Discussions are expected to conclude in the near future between NHSPS and the CCG on agreed terms of commissioner commitment. It is anticipated that formal approval for the investment will be signed off in June 2016 with works to be completed in November 2016. |
|
Crawley Hospital |
Transforming Urgent Care refurbishment |
£4.53 million |
This project is for development of a combination of a clinical assessment unit, extend paediatrics, urgent treatment centre and an upgraded reception. Works have been designed and priced. Discussions are expected to conclude in the near future between NHSPS and the CCG on agreed terms of commissioner commitment. It is anticipated that formal approval for the investment will be signed off in June 2016 with works to be completed in November 2016. |
|
Crawley Hospital |
Landlord works associated with the Sub-acute and Transforming Urgent Care projects |
£0.70 million |
Subject to the final approval of the Sub-acute and Transforming Urgent Care customer projects NHSPS intend to invest in additional landlord works to ensure the supporting infrastructure matches the updated patient facilities. |
|
Crawley Hospital |
Landlord works: Fire compartmentalisation and safety upgrade |
£2.50 million |
The Crawley Hospital red wing is viewed strategically as the core building of the hospital complex. NHSPS are investing in essential landlord works to guarantee the safe and effective back office functions of the hospital infrastructure. Included within this scheme are a review and reconfiguration of fire safety zones, replacement of fire doors, removal of asbestos and improvements to the water supply system. These works will be complete in October 2016. |
|
Crawley Hospital |
Theatre Air Handling Unit lifecycle replacement |
£0.36 million |
NHSPS have addressed the end-of-life-status of physical assets, with planned investment that future proofs the Crawley Hospital facilities. An example the planned renewal of the theatre air conditioning systems which will accommodate increased theatre activity and utilise energy efficient systems to improve upon the previous infrastructure. Installation is expected to be completed in November 2016. |
