Interserve awarded £13m hospital deal

Interserve Project Services has won the first contract to be awarded in the national rollout of the NHS's ProCure 21 framework programme, just as it did in the pilot for the programme last year.

The £13m contract with South Tees Hospitals NHS Trust covers the design and construction of new facilities as well as the refurbishment of existing buildings at Friarage Hospital in Northallerton, North Yorkshire.

Demonstrating the efficiency of the procurement process under the ProCure 21 regime, the first enquiry concerning Friarage Hospital was made at the beginning of October; after subsequent discussions Interserve was confirmed as the selected partner and design development and enabling works are now under way.

The project includes the provision of a new paediatric unit, gynaecology ward, pathology department, pharmacy, kitchens and restaurant together with the refurbishment of the existing maternity department and day-case/endoscopy unit. 

Construction will begin in January 2004 and is expected to be complete in the summer of 2006.

"Having won the first contract in the pilot, it's great that we've had the same success in the national programme," said John Vyse Interserve Plc director.

"Interserve has been an enthusiastic backer of ProCure 21 since its inception. We've worked hard with NHS Estates to help develop the programme so that suppliers such as ourselves can deliver the high quality facilities NHS Trusts need in a timeframe and at a cost that make sense for all concerned."