The Community served by Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust will be pleased to hear that their long awaited new hospital the Midland Met, will once again ring to the sound of heavy machinery as the builders move back in.

 

The news follows the Department of Health and Social Care agreeing to provide the funds to finish the building through a publicly financed direct contract, after the collapse of Carillion in January.  Procurement for the main contract will start next month (November). The contract for interim repair to the two thirds built hospital has today been signed off by the Trust’s board, and awarded to Balfour Beatty. The company will be on site from Monday 8th October, with work due to commence by 22nd October, and work is expected to take six months.

 

Commenting on the decision, Chief Executive Toby Lewis said: “We are delighted to enter this partnership with Balfour Beatty to take the important next steps in completing the Midland Met.  It has been sad to see the building standing paused for the last nine months, and so it is great news that work will shortly restart.  We are grateful for the considerable support that we have had locally and nationally to move forward.  We are investing in our existing buildings for the interim period but there is no doubt that a new single acute and emergency hospital in Smethwick is what the local NHS needs to provide the very best care.  It also releases money to invest in primary care and mental health services.  This news brings that transformation closer.”

 

Thomas Edgcumbe, Balfour Beatty Managing Director for its North and Midlands regional business, said: “We are delighted to be able to support the Trust on this key hospital project which is vital for the local residents and the wider community.

 

“Our wealth of experience and expertise in the healthcare sector will enable us to recommence work quickly and allow for the successful completion of this early works contract.”