ProCure21+ has helped a jointly-funded scheme between NHS Somerset and Somerset Partnership NHS Foundation Trust achieve fast mobilisation for a new £33m greenfield-site hospital. The Bridgwater Community Hospital, replacing a 200-year-old town-centre site, includes a 30-bed inpatient facility together with a midwife-led birthing unit, a minor injuries unit, diagnostic and radiology facilities, outpatient and day treatment facilities, and therapy and rehabilitation services. It will deal with an anticipated throughput of 62,000 patients each year.
“The project has had a very challenging programme, driven largely by the need to manage tightly the cashflow for 2012/13 before dissolution of the Primary Care Trust,” said Simon Corrick, the Trust project director for capital developments.
The Trust appointed IHP as its PSCP in April, with work beginning on-site in June. In July the Full Business Case was approved by NHS Somerset and NHS South of England; and by August, the Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) was agreed with IHP, followed by main works commencing on-site in September. The project is on-target for completion in February 2014.
“This scheme is a true testament to open and collaborative working between NHS Somerset and IHP in achieving a GMP agreement within a challenging programme,” said Mark Williamson, regional manager for IHP. “Now on-site, the Bridgwater community can see the tangible evidence that they will soon have a high-quality 21st-century hospital to be proud of.”
“IHP have been truly open and collaborative in their approach. I have been particularly impressed by how they have managed and delivered a fast-track and efficient GMP process, while combining it with a comprehensive design process,” said Simon Corrick.
