4 This report is about the performance of the maintenance and support services under the PFI contracts, and how they are managed by the Trusts. It focuses on the stage of the contract once the buildings are open for use, by which time the choice of using PFI has already been made. The report does not examine the decision to use PFI as a procurement route, the financing or design and construction issues. The report highlights the challenge for Trusts with operational contracts of making the most of the contract and their relationship with the contractors, and ensuring they get the services expected.
5 The report also focuses on how the Department supports Trusts in their management of the contracts. The Department devolves delivery of health services to Trusts, as part of a framework of devolved delivery, decision-making, financial incentives and accountability. It is attempting to intervene as little as possible in local delivery and to not direct Trusts nor require information from them superfluously. The report highlights the challenge to the Department of how to balance supporting local delivery with allowing Trusts to manage their affairs.
6 In scoping this report we used three value for money criteria:
a Performance (Part 2).
Are performance and costs as specified in the contract and meeting the needs and expectations of Trusts?
b Management (Part 3).
Are Trusts managing their contracts in line with best practice?
c Role of the centre (Part 4).
Is the Department providing Trusts with effective support in managing their contracts?