The NHS could have up to 35m sq ft of unused or under-used space, according to research published today by building consultancy EC Harris.

The firm’s report, called Refocusing the NHS Estate, says there is £1.4bn available to the NHS through better management of property.

Unlike central government, the health service has no body set aside for managing its estate.

EC Harris’s report says that due to employment and population demographics, ageing stock, and changing medical requirements, there are opportunities for large amounts to be reassigned or sold off.

Selling half of the surplus stock identified area alone would give a capital value of up to £1.45bn, based on the NHS declared asset value.

Conor Ellis, head of health at EC Harris, said a systematic approach  to monitoring and managing NHS properties was crucial.

He said: “There exist real opportunities to reinvest some of the savings in direct front line services, a limited number of new buildings to improve environmental quality and to unlock and realise overall revenue savings.”

To read the full story on PublicPropertyUK.com, click here: Refocusing The NHS Estate

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