High Wood Health has been named as the preferred bidder to deliver a new district general hospital in Dumfries and Galloway, it has been confirmed.

The successful consortium includes Laing O'Rourke as construction partner, and Serco providing its estate management services.

It is understood that construction on the new £200m facility will commence in spring 2015. The hospital, which will house 350 beds for patients, will be located on the outskirts of Dumfries.


Jeff Ace, Chief Executive for NHS Dumfries and Galloway, said: "This is the major milestone that we have been working towards for months now, along with two bidders who have produced the final designs for the kind of facility that we need so that our staff can deliver the best care possible for our patients."

Dennis O'Keeffe, Project Director, added: "Following an intense period of competitive dialogue and evaluation, we are pleased to announce High Wood Health as our preferred bidder. Their proposed solution is one that brings to bear a consortium of designers and contractors with considerable expertise and resources to fulfil our expectations."

High Wood Health saw off competition from Balfour Beatty to secure the contract. Last year, a third bidder, Skanska, pulled out of the process.

(JP/IT)