What it is: Healthcare property adviser has published a report on the role of commissioning and the operation of services in the healthcare sector, following the government’s health white paper.
When it came out: October 2010.
Why it is important: The estate is very important in delivering the new services. The key …

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 …

Local government spending watchdog the Audit Commission has hit out at “misleading press reports” that accompanied the announcement of its abolition on Friday.
In a letter to communities secretary Eric Pickles, the quango’s chairman Michael O’Higgins said he had been “disappointed and dismayed” by reports that it had spent taxpayers’ money …

A group of international artists has been shortlisted to design elements of a £19m town centre development in Durham.
Four artists have been shortlisted to submit designs for the St John’s Square in Seaham, which is sponsored by Durham County Council and NHS County Durham and Darlington.
The shortlisted artists include Berkshire-born …

The Department of Health has revealed a new framework of six building contractors that it says will streamline its procurement process for refurbishments and new builds.
Companies including Balfour Beatty Group and Kier have been appointed to the NHS Procure 21+ framework , which the department says will avoid the need …

Schools may complain about the axing of Building Schools for the Future, but at least the education sector does have some clarity. This is in short supply in the healthcare sector.
On 12 July, health secretary Andrew Lansley set out the government’s plan to reform the health service in its white …

Developer Keyworker Homes is to undertake a £30m redevelopment project in Cheshire after buying 6.5 acres of redundant land from the East Cheshire NHS Trust.
The land, known as the Blue Zone, was part of Macclesfield general hospital, and will be turned into a mixed-use commercial, residential, retail and leisure development.
Keyworker …

Taxpayers want managers in the NHS and quangos to be cut ahead of town halls, according to a Local Government Association survey.
The opinion poll by ComRes shows areas of public spending people think should be protected, those they think should be cut, and who they want to decide on cuts …

Calderstones Partnership NHS Foundation Trust has taken the second floor at Viscount House at Blackburn Interchange.
The space taken, which measures 8,627 sq ft, will be occupied by East Lancashire Financial Services, which provides financial service functions for the Calderstones Partnership NHS Foundation Trust and other NHS Trusts.
The tenant has signed …

The £12m redevelopment of Townlands Hospital in Henley, Oxfordshire will go ahead, despite a crisis over the building work procurement process.
At a public meeting last week, health chiefs gave assurances that it would go ahead, despite the project being put in doubt in May when it emerged that Oxfordshire Primary …