NHS Estates Report: Making Estates Work

There are trusts developing innovative schemes, such as joint ventures and Limited Liability Partnerships, to raise funds for capital projects.

For all the apparently bad news, there is evidence of innovation. Sir Robert points to his old workplace: "The nearly £300 million phase 4 development currently under construction at UCLH – cancer, day surgery and proton beam therapy – is funded partially by the Treasury, trust cash, the UCLH Charity and a long-term lease for two private floors to the private sector."

University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust has a three-year capital plan which will draw on some £75 million from surpluses, plus £50 million from sources including Department of Health projects, the National Institute for Health Research, Southampton University, the hospital's own charity and the Murray Parish Trust which raises money for children's emergency services across the south of England.