NHSE launches £37bn framework for ‘new hospitals’

NHS England has launched a £37bn framework for the largest hospital-building drive in decades, in a bid to bolster market capacity.

It is hoped this will address concerns over a lack of construction market capacity that has been considered a potential threat to the programme.

The agreement is for major capital works in the New Hospital Programme, which has faced significant delays since being set up to deliver 40 projects by 2030.

The government claimed the original Conservative plan was unrealistic and further shifted timelines last month –  with nearly half now starting construction after that date.

NHSE said the Hospital 2.0 framework agreement would cover hospital building, refurbishment and ancillary works – including design – for schemes.

The contract notice said: “NHSE is seeking expressions of interest from suppliers with suitable major project experience, capacity and the capability to deliver complex hospital build and refurbishment construction works.”

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Source: HSJ, 17 February 2025