ProCure 21 future in doubt as NHS Estates chief quits

Peter Wearmouth, chief executive of the beleaguered NHS Estates, has quit, renewing concerns in the industry about the future of the agency’s ProCure 21 initiative.

Sources at NHS Estates said Wearmouth decided to throw in the towel after becoming disillusioned at the way the agency is being carved up. This follows the Department of Health’s (DoH) decision last year to abolish a number of arms-length bodies, including NHS Estates, as part of a cost-cutting programme.

An NHS Estates spokes-woman said that Wearmouth would be leaving NHS Estates at the end of this month. "It was a difficult decision but Peter felt it was time to move on. He will be greatly missed. He deserves many thanks for the huge contribution he has made to the NHS, to the agency and to the wider health service. We will be very sorry to see him go," she said.

Wearmouth’s exit raises industry fears about the future of ProCure 21. Wearmouth was keen for ProCure 21 to remain a central function within the DoH, run by the existing team. Other alternatives being considered include it being privatised or taken over by the Purchasing and Supply Agency and regionalised.

Specialist Engineering Contractors Group chief executive Rudi Klein said: "It is of huge concern that such a figure has resigned. His backing and support for ProCure 21 has been substantial and he provided the leadership for taking forward the industry’s agenda for change.

"I have been in correspondence with Lord Warner of the DoH, who assured me that ProCure 21 would remain intact and that he recognised its vital importance. In light of Peter’s resignation, I intend to go back to Lord Warner to establish that this is still the position."

Wearmouth became chief executive of NHS Estates in May 2001, and took responsibility for its effective management and overall performance and also advising the secretary of state on healthcare property and facilities management. Previously director of policy and regions at NHS Estates, Wearmouth had a record in delivering major programmes and high-quality services in the public and private sectors.

Wearmouth presided over the development of the ProCure 21 initiative and the design review panel process.