April 2000

Healthcare Group's recently formed Medical Equipment division has successfully pre-qualified for its first major project. The Toshiba Medical Systems/Healthcare Group Consortium have pre-qualified for the Finance, Procurement and Management Services for equipment associated with the development of a new teaching hospital comprising approximately 876 beds to be built on a new 73 acre site at Little France, on the outskirts of Edinburgh, Scotland. Similar services for the new Ward and Theatre block at the Western General Hospital may also be included. The package may be extended to include other hospitals within the Trust and other associated facilities.

The Lothian University Hospitals NHS Trust is made up of the present Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, the Western General Hospital, the Royal Hospital for Sick Children, Liberton Hospital, the Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion and other associated healthcare facilities. There are very close and relevant connections throughout the Trust with the University of Edinburgh's teaching and research activities. The Trust has in excess of 2,000 beds and 8,000 staff.

The Trust will consider bids under either the Private Finance Initiative, by separate lease agreement, or by a combination of the two methodologies. The services required cover the full range of equipment, both clinical and non-clinical, expected in a teaching hospital of this size.

Healthcare Group are planning to undertake a number of similar projects both in the UK and internationally.

For further information contact Steven Uncles:
stevenuncles@healthcare-group.co.uk