Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust has signed a contract with Balfour Beatty UK Construction Services to finish the construction of the Midland Metropolitan hospital (Midland Met), which was left in limbo following the collapse of Carillion in 2018.
In August of that year the Trust's proposal to complete the construction of the new hospital through a publicly financed direct contract received government approval. An Early and Enabling Works Contract, also awarded to Balfour Beatty in September 2018, aimed to mitigate weather damage and prepare the building for completion whilst a new contract was procured.
Dean Banks, Chief Executive Officer of Balfour Beatty UK Construction Services, says: “This is a key project for the Midlands and a long-awaited moment for healthcare services in the local community. Following the successful completion of the Early Works phase, we are pleased that we have been entrusted to deliver the final elements of the scheme.
“Our wealth of experience and expertise will ensure that the Midland Metropolitan Hospital will service future generations for years to come.”
Signing the new contract, Trust Chairman Richard Samuda said: “The people of Sandwell and West Birmingham have been waiting for this hospital for too long, as have our staff who are doing an incredible job delivering healthcare services from some buildings that are no longer best suited for modern healthcare services. This news cannot come soon enough for those colleagues. Reaching this milestone is testament to the determination of Trust colleagues and leaders in partner organisations, who, with the support of cross party political leaders, have enabled us to agree this contract to complete the hospital.”
Originally supposed to be open in 2020, the new hospital is a cornerstone of the region's Sustainability and Transformation Plan. It will bring acute healthcare services for over 600,000 people of Sandwell and Western Birmingham together onto a single site in Smethwick and provide state-of-the-art clinical facilities and equipment.
Completion of the Midland Met is now scheduled for 2022.
