Efficiency savings lead to concerns over management of new healthcare framework

The number of key people overseeing the 拢4.5bn Procure 21+ health framework could be cut as the Department of Health makes 鈥渆fficiency savings鈥�, 精东影视 understands.

The framework has already seen one 鈥渋mplementation adviser鈥� leave since it started at the beginning of October last year, leaving four to oversee the programme.

The advisers, described as 鈥渋nvaluable鈥� by one consultant, work with clients and the six contractors on the framework to help them navigate the Procure 21+ process in different English regions.

A source close to the framework said: 鈥淭he number and coverage of the implementation advisers is under review.鈥�

A Department of Health spokesperson said: 鈥淭he department is fully committed to ProCure21+. In line with the rest of the public sector, the department has been asked to make efficiency savings - savings that will be implemented in a way that does not affect quality of services.鈥�

Since the scheme began, David Scammell, the implementation adviser for the Midlands and East, has left and has not been replaced. The Department of Health declined to comment on the future of the position.

So far the framework has been dominated by four established contractors: Balfour Beatty, Interserve, Kier and Integrated Health Projects (IHP), a consortium of Vinci and Sir Robert McAlpine.