Intro

HSJ revealed last week at least £150m has been wasted planning for "new hospitals" that might never materialise.

We explore where else trusts can turn, with major state-funded rebuilds now off the agenda for many areas.

That could mean reviving private financing, a new drive on patch-up maintenance efforts, and a much greater reliance on community services and tech.

Also this week, Samantha Jones’ likely appointment as new permanent secretary of the DHSC, and another significant senior appointment to NHSE.

Correction: £1bn - not £100m - is allocated to building safety works and reinforced aerated autoclaved concrete this year, although the point that more is needed still stands.