3.1 There are potential benefits and disbenefits of entering any long-term PFI contract which must be managed effectively to ensure the deal offers value for money. The Trust believes it has managed the potential disbenefits and risks effectively in this contract. The financial comparison between the deal and the public sector comparator was not clear cut, but this comparison did not take account of many of the benefits, which justify doing this as a PFI deal, taking all benefits and disbenefits into account. The Trust's initial financial comparison showed the PFI price slightly higher than conventional procurement. As part of the iterative process of developing the risk analysis the risks were reappraised. The final calculations showed a saving of £5.5 million from the PFI deal based on risk assumptions consistent with previous experience. The deal will be affordable to the Trust provided it achieves estimated operational savings when the new hospital opens.