1.11 The Trust prepared a SOC for the proposed redevelopment in 1998. It was in line with the Department's increased emphasis on evidence for strategic planning in PFI projects, which was formalised in guidance issued in 1999.
1.12 Ealing, Hammersmith and Hounslow (EHH) and Kingston and Richmond (K&R) Health Authorities, the relevant local health authorities at the time, were consulted and gave their approval to the scheme7. The approval was conditional on the Trust achieving some £1.6 million annual efficiency savings. The Trust developed a plan to achieve these savings. Some savings have already been realised through changes in staffing but some aspects of the plan may need to be revisited: for example, savings on nursing costs as new recommendations on nursing levels are increasing the necessary level of provision and associated costs.
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7 There have been changes to local health authorities recently. See Appendix 3 - changes in responsibility over the last 15 years.