Two remain in frame for £25m PFI hospital

by Glenda Thisdell



Bovis Lend Lease and Sir Robert McAlpine are the two remaining bidders for the £25m private finance initiative hospital scheme in Hexham, Northumberland - missing out from the Northumbria Health Care NHS Trust's final shortlist is Alfred McAlpine.

Discussions are still intense and there is not yet a determined timetable for when a preferred bidder will be chosen or when work will start, said a Trust spokeswoman. The three bidders were over budget and savings are to be made, said a source.

The scheme is for the complete re-provision of the Trust's clinical services at a new health facility, which will replace the existing Hexham General Hospital.

It will include 94 in-patient beds, a day surgery unit, enhanced clinical support services, including medical imaging, pharmacy and pathologies and therapy services, out-patient clinics, and an integrated primary-care centre.