HOW IT WORKS – partnership not PFI

Fulcrum’s healthcare facilities are delivered through the NHS LIFT (Local Improvement Finance Trust) initiative which brings together the NHS, the Department of Health and a private sector partner. Any private investment in the NHS understandably raises eyebrows so first and foremost, it is crucial to underline that these healthcare centres are not PFI projects.

LIFT facilities are instead a Public Private Partnership (PPP) which, as the name suggests, demonstrate true long-term partnership in action.

THE BENEFITS – fairness, flexibility and transparency

Where PFI was criticised for tying the public sector to complex, rigid contracts with the financial outcomes stacked firmly in favour of the private investor, in contrast PPP projects like the LIFT initiative are founded on:

FAIRNESS

Private sector hold a 60% stake and the public sector 40%. This leads to joint management, joint ownership and shared benefits, with 40% of any returns flowing back into the public sector

FLEXIBILITY

The LIFT model attracts experienced investors who can be more flexible than under PFI. As modern, high-quality buildings, LIFT facilities also offer much needed flexibility where healthcare space can be adapted to help drive better use and support the NHS in responding to emerging pressures.

TRANSPARENCY

All financial and operational information is shared, with joint decision making allowing the Public sector to shape its own operational and financial outcome.

WHY IT WORKS – HEALTH AND WELL-BEING, NOT BRICKS AND MORTAR

As long-term partners and co-investors, Fulcrum and the NHS share a common interest in ensuring that the healthcare facilities continue to be well-used, well-maintained and best serve the local community
It is a perfect blend of the public and private sector working together to shoulder the challenges and share the successes between them
The LIFT model also offers the convenience of “full service” rents which include the provision of critical services such as building maintenance and the “lifecycle” repair and replacement of equipment
With the burden of building upkeep removed, NHS and health practitioners can focus on what matters most – the community’s health and well-being, not bricks and mortar
As the UK enters an uncertain new chapter, the public and private sectors working in partnership is the strongest way forwards – the LIFT model offers the stability, continuity and flexibility the UK needs to tackle the healthcare challenges that lie ahead