NHSPS’ Annual Report outlines post-pandemic consolidation underpinned by £250m in savings

NHS Property Services has published its annual report for 21/22 which shows £44.1 million in cost efficiencies for the health service were delivered during 2021/22 against a target of £31.9 million, as well as clearing outstanding shareholder loans to the Department of Health and Social Care of £98 million.

The report demonstrates that the business – which owns and manages around 10 per cent of the NHS estate – exceeded its initial target by almost £14 million and has now delivered a cumulative total of over £250 million in savings to the NHS since 2017.

Total capital investments of £135 million were also delivered in year, compared to £110 million in 2020/21, delivering improvements to the NHS property portfolio for customers and patients, ensuring that the estate is consistently fit for purpose.

Greater efficiencies, including continued improvement in in billing, increased customer engagement and effectiveness of the organisation’s debt management programme – as well as an ongoing commitment to supporting the Greener NHS agenda – have also led to a more consistent standard of performance, enabling healthcare professionals to focus on delivering excellent care.

In addition, NHSPS delivered a further 122 transformational estate projects as part of its ‘Healthy Places’ scheme, which will benefit millions of patients across the country and provide 25,000 sq. m of improved space for the NHS. And the organisation’s social prescribing programme continued to flourish in 21/22 too, creating a further 28 hubs in line with the goals laid out in the NHS Long Term Plan to refer at least 900,000 people to these services by 2023/24.

The report also describes how NHSPS has continued to work closely in partnership with NHS colleagues in many of the newly formed Integrated Care Systems across the country, to understand their needs and shape future estates projects to tackle health inequalities and care backlogs.

Martin Steele, Chief Executive Officer at NHSPS said: “This set of results and our overall performance during this period is testament to the hard work and commitment of the 6,000 colleagues across the organisation and the core values that unite us – putting customers and patients at the heart of everything we do.

“As we move forwards, we remain resolved to continue providing innovative, affordable and practical healthcare estate solutions across the NHS ecosystem, while also protecting the health, safety and wellbeing of our colleagues. I remain incredibly proud of the work our colleagues have done for the NHS and the business remains well-positioned to build a brighter future for our health service by promoting progress in its estate strategy.”

Mark Smith, Chief Financial Officer for NHSPS added: “This has been a year of significant financial milestones for the business with our debts to the Department of Health and Social Care cleared in full and achieving the delivery of more than £250 million in savings to the NHS since 2017. 

“Cost savings will continue to be a vital component, but we will also be driving a more holistic view of the full value we provide for our customers and stakeholders. For example, through income generation, increased efficiencies, and sustainability.”