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The opportunity for NHS trusts and foundation trusts to transfer the ownership of property assets from the NHS Propco’s (i.e. NHS Property Services,  LIFT and CHP properties) has recently been closed by DHSC.

The policy was introduced by DHSC in 2019 to recognise that in some circumstances, the transfer of property to Trusts ownership would help a collaborative approach to planning clinical provision in a local area.  Transfers were subject to Full Business Case at the Net Book Value as shown in the propco’s books.

SilverRed advised on the successful transfer of four acute/ community hospital assets during this time.    There were also a good number of cases ongoing which had DHSC approval to proceed to FBC but which are now, unfortunately, stopped due to the withdrawal of the transfer opportunity.  Successful outcomes of the Transfers achieved included:

• Financial benefits- each business case showed savings to the trust of minimum £500k to up to £4m through taking ownership of the asset.
  
  
• Increased strategic options with an immediate opportunity for Trusts to increase their footprint locally without having to consider expensive market acquisitions/ leasing options.
  
  
• Creating the opportunity to make quicker decisions on space utilisation, management and repair under a single ownership internally, rather than having to go through and rely upon the performance of the Propcos.

At a time when Trusts need options in relation to their ageing estates, there is disappointment that the policy has been taken away although the emergence of ICS/ ICB bodies will improve the opportunity for collaborative working between Trusts and the NHS Propco’s.

This means that Trusts will now have to re-focus on their existing estate, driving efficiency through creative use, and potentially taking some services off-site.   Estate strategy will remain high on the Trust agenda for some time.

To find out more, please call 07500 704290 today.

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