HEALTH SECTOR NEWS


Efficiency efforts see £200k energy savings at Hull oncology unit


Energy efficiency initiatives at the Queen’s Centre for Oncology & Haematology (QCOH) in Hull have delivered a 21 per cent reduction in electrical consumption. North Yorkshire-based facilities management provider GFM is responsible for the delivery of hard FM services at the three- storey, 19,000m² site. As well as maintaining critical infrastructure, the partnership has focused on improving the facility’s environmental performance. Through a combination of energy management initiatives and ongoing monitoring, Hull Oncology achieved a 21 per cent reduction in overall energy consumption between 2018 and 2026. Energy reductions have been achieved through four key initiatives: n LED relamping programme: 12 per cent reduction


n Upgraded BMS controls: 5 per cent reduction


n Chiller replacement: 2 per cent reduction


n LINAC upgrades: 2 per cent reduction


Ian Sayers, acting managing director at GFM, said: “Operating within a live healthcare environment means that reliability and planning are absolutely critical. Our team works closely with the Trust to carefully coordinate any shutdowns so that essential clinical services can continue without interruption. “Energy efficiency is a major priority for healthcare estates.


The phased replacement of legacy lighting with LED fittings has delivered the most significant impact. The programme has reduced residual electricity demand by around 24 per cent, equating to a 12 per cent overall reduction in site energy use. The oncology hospital and houses highly sensitive clinical services, including the manufacture of chemotherapy treatments. As a result, maintaining building infrastructure without disrupting patient care is central to the FM strategy on site. To minimise disruption, the FM team worked closely with the Trust to schedule maintenance works at the least disruptive times.


By closely analysing consumption patterns and implementing targeted improvements, we’ve been able to deliver substantial reductions in both energy use and costs for the Trust. “Facilities management plays a vital


role in supporting frontline healthcare. Our goal is to ensure the building infrastructure works seamlessly so clinicians can focus on delivering the best possible care for patients. “Through close collaboration with


the Trust and a focus on preventative maintenance and energy performance, the long-term partnership continues to support critical healthcare services while delivering measurable operational benefits.”


Greater Manchester Pension Fund and BlackRock announce healthcare investment


Greater Manchester Pension Fund (GMPF) has announced a new joint venture with BlackRock to drive major investment into the UK’s primary healthcare sector. The joint venture will seek to mobilise third-party capital to invest in acquiring, upgrading, expanding, and developing primary healthcare centres providing frontline GP and NHS services in local communities. Launching with a seed portfolio of 65 modern, purpose-built primary care assets serving over 700,000 patients across England, Scotland, and Wales, the venture is initially targeting a £1bn portfolio of high- quality healthcare facilities by the end of 2030.


Councillor Eleanor Wills, chair of


Greater Manchester Pension Fund, said: “Primary care is a vital part of our communities, yet much of the estate is ageing and no longer fit for the needs of modern healthcare


NHSPS to support £50m estates transformation


NHS Property Services (NHSPS) has been appointed to support the delivery of the government’s Neighbourhood Health Centre (NHC) Development Programme. The initiative is designed to


transform access to community- based healthcare across England. A selection of sites will form the


first stage of a wider programme aimed at delivering around 250 Neighbourhood Health Centres by 2035, with around 120 centres operational by 2030, funded by a total investment of around £50m. The move


strengthens NHSPS’ role as a key delivery partner to the NHS. Its Wave 1 sites will benefit from upgraded existing health facilities, creating modern spaces designed to support multidisciplinary teams, extended opening hours, diagnostic services, and improved access to community and wellbeing services. The centres have been prioritised based on deliverability, potential improvements to patient access, and the opportunity to support areas with the highest levels of health need. Each scheme will undergo feasibility studies and engagement with local ICBs to finalise plans, with the goal of completing works by March 2027. NHS Property Services CEO


delivery. This partnership allows us to back high-quality, purpose-built facilities that directly align with the NHS Long Term Plan, improve patient experience, and provide stable, inflation-linked returns over decades with strong potential for growth.” John Benham, head of UK Open-Ended Funds at BlackRock, commented: “Together with GMPF, we are bringing our deep knowledge of unique public-private sector dynamics to unlock one of the largest private markets opportunities for capital to invest in the social infrastructure underpinning UK primary care.”


Minister for Investment Lord


Stockwood said: “The UK is a thriving business hub. With this new joint venture, Greater Manchester Pension Fund’s £150m cornerstone investment into our country’s healthcare real estate will help boost provision and accessibility for hundreds of thousands of patients in local communities. With financial services identified as a key sector in our modern Industrial Strategy, we’re encouraging greater investment from UK pension schemes into critical infrastructure projects at the heart of our communities.”


Martin Steele said: “This first wave of Neighbourhood Health Centres demonstrates NHSPS’ end to end capability in estates delivery, how we’re supporting the Ten-Year Plan and bringing services closer to the communities we serve. By investing in these sites, we are continuing to create flexible, high-quality spaces that enable integrated models of care and support better outcomes for patients. We’re proud to be working with local partners, using the skills and knowledge we have to help deliver facilities that reflect the needs of each community and ensure the NHS is fit for the future.”


May 2026 Health Estate Journal 25


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