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Making public-private partnerships work for the NHS

Posted on 12 August 2009

NHS primary care trusts could potentially save thousands of pounds through better management of partnerships with the private sector, according to research from the York Management School.

Researchers examined the value for money of Local Improvement Financial Trusts, a new £1.5bn mechanism where the National Health Service delivers GP and other primary care services in partnership with the private sector.

As more of these partnerships are formed it will be increasingly important for the costs of such activities to be evaluated and controlled

Professor Steven Toms

The study, funded by the NHS Service Delivery and Organisation, discovered that LIFTs currently offer poor financial returns but had the potential to provide advantages in terms of the construction and management of new facilities.

These findings will be discussed in detail at a York Management School workshop where NHS managers will learn how to make better use of the growing opportunities they have to work with the private sector.

Professor Steven Toms, Head of the York Management School, said: “Working with private sector providers offers potential benefits but as more of these partnerships are formed it will be increasingly important for the costs of such activities to be evaluated and controlled.

“By attending this workshop managers will benefit from an understanding of the costs of providing NHS services using private sector partners through LIFT.”

The one-day Financial Analysis of NHS Public-Private Partnerships workshop, on 24 September, is aimed at NHS managers, primary care trust managers and practice managers and is part of York Management School’s broader expert support for both the public and private sectors.

Dr Chris Henshall, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for External Affairs, said: “The University is working hard to make its expertise available to businesses and other external organisations and thereby give them a competitive advantage.  

“For example, the York Management School offers business diagnostic services which can help to identify key problems. We also offer talented people via student placements and internships who can be important agents for change.”

Anyone interested in attending the Financial Analysis of NHS Public-Private Partnerships workshop should Gill Cutting on (01904) 432881 or email glc504@york.ac.uk.

Notes to editors:

Contact details

James Reed
Press Officer

Tel: +44 (0)1904 432029

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