The review will examine current proposals for infrastructure developments in the medium to long term and will include new builds, equipment and information technology as well as considering existing facilities which require significant refurbishment. It will be taken forward in the context of current policy frameworks, including Developing Better Services, the Primary Care Strategy and the Bamford Review.
The minister said: “Too many of our facilities are dilapidated and in dire need of renewal or major refurbishment. The cost of maintaining these facilities, which have suffered from years of investment neglect, is too high and is, I believe, a waste of our limited resources.
“I have £3.6billion capital to invest in the infrastructure of our health social care and public safety services over the next ten years. This massive investment will be spent on new and re-furbished buildings, modern equipment and technology, and will bring real benefits to both staff and the public. A number of major projects are already in progress.
“However, even this enormous sum is not enough to address all the capital developments required. We need to urgently review and determine the investment priorities over the next ten years so that we can make best use of the available resources and target them where they will have the maximum impact on delivering high quality services.
“We must become more efficient and effective. Like all other departments, I have to achieve 3% efficiency savings in each of the next three years as part of the comprehensive spending review. This will not be easy but I have made it clear that proposals should focus on making achievable efficiency savings and not cuts.”
The review is scheduled to be complete by September 2008.
The minister continued: “Our health, social care and fire service staff need and deserve to be working in modern facilities, with the latest equipment so that they can deliver the best services for the public. Our patients and clients deserve to be treated in welcoming and well-maintained buildings to help in their recovery and sustain their well being. I am determined to ensure that this happens.”
Notes to Editors:
- Media enquiries should be directed to the DHSSPS press office on 028 9052 0571, or out of hours contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 9971 5440 and your call will be returned.
