The PFI: good and bad news

Article Abstract:

The UK government's Private Finance Initiative (PFI) is set to have a significant impact on hospital construction and management. The government clearly favours bringing together adjacent current facilities into single sites, and is also keen to replace old Victorian hospitals. It has developed simpler processes for PFI bids, with outline bids being assessed more thoroughly at an earlier stage. Some observers point out that the government is reluctant to admit that it is rationalizing and merging hospitals. They also highlight the fact that the number of hospital beds will fall, even though new hospitals are being built.

Commercial and Institutional Building Construction, Nonresidential construction, not elsewhere classified, Hospital-Health Facilities, United Kingdom, Hospitals, Design and construction, Buildings and facilities, Health facilities construction

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Fraudbuster targets NHS

Article Abstract:

James Gee, currently head of the anti-fraud unit at the borough of Lambeth in south London, England, will become fraud adviser to UK Minister for Welfare Reform Frank Field in Sep 1998. His appointment is a clear message from the Dept of Health that it is seeking a substantial reduction in fraud within the National Health Service. Gee's priority will be dealing with prescription fraud and charge evasion. He believes that he will be able to put his experience in Lambeth, where estimated annual fraud has been halved, to good use.

Investigations, Crimes against, Appointments, resignations and dismissals, Fraud, Gee, James

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Disunity at the TUC

Article Abstract:

The TUC annual congress in Sep 1997 is likely to be dominated by the opposition of Unison, the largest public service union in the UK, to the Private Finance Initiative (PFI). Unison has commissioned research which indicates that borrowing money would be a more effective way of funding public services than using private funds under the PFI, and is calling on the government to move away from the PFI. It feels that PFI could have a particularly negative impact in the health sector, where service standards could fall.

Conferences, meetings and seminars, Finance, Political activity, UNISON (London, England), Municipal services, Trades Union Congress

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