One of the UK’s first healthcare PFI’s handed over
A collaborative approach ensures success at the Meadows, Stockport.
One of the UK’s very first healthcare PFI contracts has been successfully handed over to public ownership. P2G Contract Support (P2G) was appointed by Stockport NHS Foundation Trust in 2021 to advise on the complex handover process, to assess the contract provisions and to develop a detailed programme to expiry.
Opened in 1999, The Meadows is an 80-inpatient bed facility, built and managed by Walker Healthcare and provides a wide range of mental health and specialist care services for older people. The contracting authority is Stockport NHS Foundation Trust (the Trust) , providing care services in a minority of the facility with Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust (Pennine) being the major occupier.
PFI handback provides a formidable challenge to the public sector, carrying a significant risk of assets requiring backlog maintenance with real financial and operational consequences to Trusts if left unidentified. To reduce the risk of assets being handed back as liabilities, P2G has worked closely with the Department of Health and Social Care to develop the PFI Centre of Best Practice (CoBP) survey process and has also advised the Infrastructure Projects Authority on Future Services guidance. To date P2G has advised on more than 60 CoBP public sector surveys.
P2G’s role on The Meadows handover included developing bespoke CoBP survey guidance, assessing maintenance regime compliance and the environmental condition of the facility, advising on commercial negotiations, drawing up a transition checklist and providing support on future facilities management provision.
Russell Manley, Partner at P2G explains: “As an early first wave PFI contract, provisions of The Meadows project agreement were unique and the handback provisions underdeveloped. It was obvious from the start that a successful transition required real collaboration between public and private sector partners. The highlight of this project has been the commitment from all parties – in particular the Trust, Pennine, Walker Healthcare and Trust advisors Addlestone Goddard and P2G. Active and transparent cooperation has resulted in a well-maintained asset being handed back to the Trust, achieving value for money for the NHS and importantly ensuring the ongoing service provision of clinical care to patients for years to come.”
Paul Featherstone, Director of Estates and Facilities, Stockport NHS Foundation Trust adds: “The Meadows provides essential care to the people of Tameside and Stockport. The successful transition of the project from private to public ownership against a tight timescale has been achieved through the close cooperation of the Trust, Walker Healthcare and the support of the Trust’s advisors.”
John Campbell, Walker Healthcare, comments: “As a leading PFI service provider and equity sponsor, Walker Healthcare has delivered a high-quality facility and services at The Meadows for 25 years. The successful culmination of the project reflects our commitment to supporting the Trust through this process and the collaborative approach adopted by all parties.”
CONTRIBUTORS
Russell Manley
Partner
+44 7939415679
russell@p-2-g.co.uk
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