Vital Signs – A Primary Healthcare Blog: Is Your Surgery Lease Coming to an End?

30 years or so ago, the then Government allowed private funders and developers to be involved in building new GP surgeries. It started off with the quasi-government funder, General Practice Finance Corporation (GPFC), providing what were seen as soft loans to GPs to build their own surgeries.  

GPFC then started actually building surgeries for GPs and leasing the completed buildings to them. Since then various other private developers have followed on a similar path. Many practices now occupy premises leased from third party landlords.

Typically the leases were for 25 or 30 years.  They are now coming to an end. There are several important issues for practices to consider when faced with this situation. Some of these issues are specific to GPS and their legal relationship with the NHS.  Others are specific to the specialist market for GP surgery investments.

The Davidson Chalmers Health Team are currently advising several practices grappling with these issues.  If you or your clients are in the position of having a surgery lease which is at or close to expiry we would be delighted to assist you  in navigating a path through the metaphorical minefield.

Disclaimer 
The matter in this publication is based on our current understanding of the law.  The information provides only an overview of the law in force at the date hereof and has been produced for general information purposes only. Professional advice should always be sought before taking any action in reliance of the information. Accordingly, Davidson Chalmers LLP does not take any responsibility for losses incurred by any person through acting or failing to act on the basis of anything contained in this publication.