03.04.13
Strategic Projects Team finds a new home
The NHS Midlands & East Strategic Project Team (SPT), which has handled a number of controversial projects including the transfer of Hinchingbrooke to a private-sector provider, has joined the Greater East Midlands (GEM) Commissioning Support Unit.
With the closure of its host SHA, the team had to find a new home.
The SPT has worked on £4bn worth of contracts, with almost £100m independent sector investment and has delivered savings of over £500m for the NHS, including the first franchise of an NHS hospital, and design and programme management of the national Friends & Family Test.
Andrew MacPherson, director of customer service strategy of the Strategic Projects Team, said: “We have reviewed a range of generous offers to partner our experience and capabilities with a number of NHS colleagues and leading organisations across the healthcare sector. Having consulted with our clients, and assessed the requirements of each of the programmes we’re managing, we believe the offer by the GEM team is the best strategic fit.
“We have built the Strategic Projects Team around robust, commercial and innovative solutions for the pursuit of sustainable service excellence in healthcare, accompanied by a collaborative approach with stakeholders and patients. GEM gives us the flexibility to continue that role and provides a fertile environment for building and developing new partnerships.”
Professor John Parkes, managing director of the Greater East Midlands (GEM) Commissioning Support Unit, said: “I’m delighted to be welcoming the Strategic Projects Team to GEM. I think this is good news for both organisations – we will be hosting a highly-regarded team which has gained national accolades for its innovative work across the health sector while SPT will enjoy all the benefits of being part of a larger 800-staff organisation which aims to be the best commissioning support unit in the country.”
NHE’s interview with Andrew Macpherson, looking back over the work the SPT has done so far and its future, is available here.
(Image shows the SPT team accepting their trophy in the Procurement Leaders Awards 2012, public sector award category.)
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