Most of the local primary health care workers would love to see more high standard buildings in the area to replace the 35 odd premises that are significantly below standard as they are converted Victorian terraced houses. However the significantly higher revenue costs of LIFT buildings poses an affordability question for the other practices and patients of Newham. The cost of LIFT buildings is significantly higher that traditional 3rd party development and has put a stop to other forms of delivery of primary care premises.
My concern is that we will not be able to deliver the patient led NHS agenda or Practice Based Commissioning which are the corner stones of delivering the New NHS and of giving choice to patients. A problem of inequity of buildings quality to patients is a problem.
Furthermore for alterations that may be needed from time to time to LIFT buildings we have lost the ability to obtain to get a competitive quote. Traditionally in primary care when minor alterations are required we were asked to get three quotes and the best value and quality and supplier got the business. Under LIFT we have to use the LIFT landlord who has a monopoly in providing for any alterations. We have had some bills for minor works which have been significantly higher than what we are used to paying for in the community NHS. My concern is that due to cost we will not make the necessary minor alterations that affect patient care.
Analysis of General Practice premises cost in Newham 2005-06 | |||
Total rents paid-Newham PCT 2005-06 | $ | List size | £ per patient |
Total PMS | 1,644,814 | 188,128 | 8.7 |
Total GMS | 679,105 | 101,573 | 6.7 |
Total PMS and GMS | 2,323,919 | 289,701 | 8.0 |
Boleyn Medical Centre (est full cost £574k) | 476,420 | 11,774 | 40.5 |
Centre Manor Park (est 61% of full cost £1,084k) | 661,240 | 14,430 | 45.8 |
LIFT sites | 1,137,660 | 26,204 | 43.4 |
Grand total rent for GP's premises | 3,461,579 | 315,905 | 11.0 |
Primary Care premises costs |
|
| Population | Costs |
Total PMS and GMS | 2,323,919 | 289,701 | 92% | 67% |
LIFT sites | 1,137,660 | 26,204 | 8% | 33% |
Grand total rent for GP's premises | 3,461,579 | 315,905 | 100% | 100% |
Notes
Lift rents include hard FM costs not covered in other practices.
Share of GP space in LIFT sites estimated.
List sizes based on 1 January 2005 (some estimated)
Wide variation in rent costs in GMS and PMS practices (from £2.1-£20.7)