The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust chooses Integrated Health Projects (IHP) as design and construction partner

The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust (SaTH) has appointed Integrated Health Projects (IHP) as its design and construction partner to progress the £312m Hospitals Transformation Programme (HTP).

Following a robust procurement process, the announcement of IHP – a joint venture between VINCI Building and Sir Robert McAlpine – as the trust’s partner marks a significant milestone in the development of the HTP.

IHP was selected after a mini competition from Lot 3 of the Construction Works and Associated Services 2/ProCure23 framework.

The agreement is compliant with Construction Playbook practices and supports government policy.

Through the contract IHP will support the trust as it prepares to take the HTP plans through the final stage of the national approval process.

Preparatory works are expected to start on the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital site this month, with hoardings and site cabins being developed.

The plans will mean the population of Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, and mid Wales will benefit from high-quality, sustainable care and fewer delays at two thriving hospital sites.

The transformation plans have been developed in conjunction with clinicians.

The Telford site will specialise in planned care, with the Shrewsbury site delivering emergency care.

Benefits for patients will include:

• Planned care services in Telford that will be available throughout the year, leading to fewer cancellations and delays for operations
• Enhanced urgent care services which will be available 24/7 on both hospital sites
• Improved emergency care services delivered from a new, purpose-built emergency department in Shrewsbury, meaning patients will be seen more quickly, with shorter stays and faster ambulance handovers times

Dr Ed Rysdale, consultant in emergency medicine and clinical lead for the Hospitals Transformation Programme, said: “I’m excited that we are moving ever closer to delivering our vision of two thriving hospital sites.

“This is so much more than building works. This is about fundamentally improving care for all the communities we serve through better pathways and joined-up care between our services.

“This is an important step forward for the programme and it is exciting to be able to welcome our contractors onsite as they prepare for the necessary enabling works.”

Louise Barnett, trust chief executive, added: “We are pleased to be working with IHP who bring a wealth of experience in large-scale construction, as well as offering genuine opportunities for local businesses.

“We will be continuing to keep local communities and clinicians involved at every stage of the works, to help design a positive experience for everyone.”