A scheme that enables GP practices and hospitals to rent out clinical rooms has reopened.
The NHS Open Space scheme, run by NHS Property Services (NHSPS), now has 20 sites open for hire across England, with another 40 expected to launch in the autumn.
Consulting and examination rooms can be rented out on an hourly or daily basis to GPs and other health professionals, such as physiotherapists and mental health specialists who are looking for clinic space, as well as businesses, community groups and self-employed workers.
According to NHSPS, all profits made from the scheme are reinvested back into the health service ‘for the benefit of patients and to help rebuild the NHS’.
The scheme was launched in 2019, following a two-year pilot, to open up underused clinical rooms and currently 1,200 GPs rent clinic space in NHSPS properties, the organisation said.
John Westwood, NHSPS’ director of asset management said: ‘We know many NHS providers and healthcare-related business owners will be looking for more flexible property and space options in the wake of the pandemic as ways of working and operating change.
‘We hope NHS Open Space will help provide an alternative, cost effective option for those looking to get their services up and running in local communities, while keeping their finances healthy.’
He added: ‘It will also allow us to help wider health economies, ensuring we are using space as efficiently as possible to improve health and wellbeing, and driving money straight back into the NHS.’
