Salford's Health Investment for Tomorrow
5 Projects that are changing the face of health services in Salford
Hospital Redevelopment
1. What is a PFI Scheme?
PFI (Private Finance Initiative) is a partnership between the public and private sector where the private company provides the initial capital investment to build facilities such as hospitals and schools. The public sector partner (in Salford's case the Salford Royal Hospitals NHS Trust) will then be responsible for repaying finance to the private company on a yearly basis for the next 30 years.
In addition the private company is responsible for maintaining the hospital buildings and providing support services for the 30 year contract period.
2. Will the large investment in redeveloping the hospital affect services?
Following announcement of the 'Preferred Bidder' for the redevelopment of Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust Hospital, there is a consultation period. During the consultation period patients, staff and the public will be consulted about how the redevelopment and modernisation happens.
The aim of consultation is for all parties to reach agreement on exactly how and when the redevelopment takes place. Those involved will be Salford Royals Hospitals NHS Trust, Consort Healthcare, hospital departments, patients and residents living close to the hospital site.
During any major construction development a certain amount of disruption is unavoidable. One of the important tasks during consultation will be to agree a construction timetable which minimises the effect of construction and redevelopment on patients, staff and the public.
3. Which buildings/areas of the hospital are affected?
The redevelopment of Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust Hospital is in effect two construction projects that will happen at the same time. The £130 million PFI contract will see a number of new buildings being constructed on the hospital site. At the same time, a major programme of modernisation will be undertaken to refurbish a number of existing buildings and facilities.
4. When will all this happen?
Please refer to the SHIFT Programme Timetable for information about important dates in the redevelopment of Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust Hospital.
5. How will patients and staff be affected during rebuilding?
6. What about residents living close to the hospital?
7. How are patients, staff and local residents involved?
Following the submission of bids in October 2004 there was a three month consultation period in which each bid was examined in detail. A number of groups representing stakeholders in the PFI redevelopment were involved directly with that consultation: unions representing staff working at Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust Hospital and a sub-committee from the Weaste & Seedley Community Committee representing the interests of local residents.
In addition, the Health and Social Care Overview & Scrutiny Committee of Salford City Council reviews the entire SHIFT programme, including the Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust Hospital PFI scheme, every six months. Membership of the committee includes Salford councillors and other Salfordians.