Rider Hunt completes Freeman Hospital's World Class Transplant Unit

A new £30m Institute of Transplantation at the Freeman Hospital boasting cutting edge resources is expected to become the epicentre of transplant procedures, drawing world class industry professionals to the region.


Rider Hunt has acted as external cost advisor to the Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust on the Institute at the Freeman Hospital, which has been delivered under the ProCure21 NHS National Framework.


The Institute, which took almost two years to complete, will house cardiothoracic transplant surgery, general transplant surgery and renal transplant surgery all in one place. It opened its doors to the public in September.


Craig Beeby of Rider Hunt says: “As a Practice we are extremely proud to have been involved in this prestigious project. It provides a centre of excellence that further places The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust at the forefront of transplantation. It also provides a world class facility for the region to be proud of.


“On a personal level, we have learned through this project there remains a concerning requirement for more organ donors in order for this facility to thrive. Our hope is that by having this incredible Institute on our doorstep, that it will encourage more individuals to register to become an organ donor. ”


Rider Hunt, having earned a national reputation as ProCure21 and ProCure 21+ experts, have acted as external cost advisors to NHS Trusts across the country on a number of healthcare projects ranging from half million pound projects up to those costing £80million. ProCure21 (now ProCure 21+) is a national procurement framework for capital investment schemes set out by the Department of Health for use by NHS clients, promoting best value, efficiency and partnership working.
Craig added: “Challenging time restrictions, evolving clinical needs and financial constraints within the NHS are constantly shifting, therefore, it is our responsibility to adapt our service to keep up with this. Being recognised for our knowledge of ProCure21 and our broad portfolio of experience has placed us as forerunners of healthcare development.”


The multi million-pound Institute, which covers 9,500 square meters over four levels, will bring a cutting edge medical service to the region. The centre offers an inpatient department with 30 beds, a 22-bed critical care ward, an outpatient department, four operating theatres, as well as a screening and imaging department, office accommodation and a lecture theatre.


The Trust’s project manager, Stephen Watts added: “The centralisation of our transplantation services, together with the state-of-the-art equipment available, will help drive the North East forward in being a centre of excellence for transplantation. “Staff and patients are very much looking forward to relocating into the Institute, which will be open to the public in September. We are delighted that Rider Hunt acted as our external cost advisor for this project. Once again they have ensured the project was completed within the guaranteed maximum price.”


Within their role as external cost advisor, Rider Hunt worked alongside the Trust, the design team and the appointed ProCure21 principal supply chain partner. Their duties on the project ranged from developing a target cost plan, agreeing the guaranteed maximum price, setting up contracts, issuing certificates for payment, regularly advising the Trust on the forecast cost to agreeing the final account and establishing the gain share pay back to the Trust.