The National Audit Office Report on LIFT examines whether the scheme is able to support improved health care services while providing value for money. It finds that LIFT is an "attractive way of securing improvements in primary and social care"1 and an "effective and flexible procurement mechanism"2.
LOBI members welcome the positive findings of the NAO Report and the constructive recommendations contained therein. We believe that the benefits of the LIFT system are wide-ranging and it is gratifying to see these benefits identified by the NAO3:
- Provision of new purpose-built GP premises suitable for modern primary care.
- Integrated care: co-location of healthcare professionals helps to forge links between primary and social care with benefits for staff and patients.
- Flexible leases and share options help to resolve GP recruitment and retention problems.
- Local strategic direction and partnerships with community stakeholders ensures development is tailored to local circumstances.
- Advanced primary care centres and chronic disease clinics reduce pressure on secondary care.
- Rapid delivery of necessary primary care development where it is needed most.
__________________________________________________________________________
2 ibid, p 3.