NHS LIFT works, but needs more evaluation, says Public Accounts Committee

NHS LIFT is often the most effective option for investing in new primary care facilities, according to the House of Commons Public Accounts Committee (PAC) report into the LIFT procurement initiative.

However, the report notes that the Department of Health and Partnerships for Health "have not yet developed a mechanism for evaluating LIFT, although they have started to do so. They should complete this work quickly and publicise the underlying mechanism and methodologies so that meaningful quantitative evaluation of the value for money of the LIFT programme and its schemes can be made."

PAC also noted that there is no explicit provision to target cost reductions over time and that some tenants within LIFT buildings are frustrated that they cannot procure minor alterations without prior consent from the LIFTCo, which can be a time-consuming and bureaucratic process.

LIFT LOBI, the organisation that represents LIFT investors, welcomed the PAC's conclusions. Chris Whitehouse, chair of LIFT LOBI, said: "We are working to strengthen this element [a mechanism to evaluate the value for money] of the scheme through the development of a comprehensive value for money system with Ernst & Young and Imperial College and full stakeholder engagement; this tool incorporates measurement of the significant health outcomes that LIFT helps to achieve in the local area."