Sheffield architects have secured a major new contract to deliver the first phase of an eight year programme of improvements for Rotherham Hospital, as part of the hospital's ambitious redevelopment plans.

The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust is embarking on an exciting eight year phased Site Utilisation Development Plan to transform its current accommodation and facilities that will meet the vision of becoming the 'Hospital of Choice'.

The contract will see Race Cottam Associates design a new entrance for the hospital, develop a programme of ward refurbishments and a series of other improvements in response to the Trust's vision.

Race Cottam Associates has won the bid to deliver the initial stage of the showcase scheme with BAM Construction Ltd, the Principal Supply Chain Partner under the ProCure21 procurement method for publicly funded NHS Capital Schemes. Healthcare planning will be provided by healthcare consultancy Tribal Group.

The win confirms Race Cottam's reputation as one of the country's leading architects for NHS projects, with an expanding portfolio of primary care and mental health developments across the UK.

Last year the Race Cottam designed, £11 million Oakwell acute mental health unit in Barnsley was described at its opening as 'one of the best' by NHS chief executive David Nicholson.

The architects have also already worked with BAM Construct on the £6.5 million primary care centre at Flagg Court, South Tyneside under the P21 programme.

In Sheffield, Race Cottam is currently working on a series of schemes on behalf of Sheffield Children's Hospital and Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, including a new clinical research facility and an enlarged radio pharmacy department.

Race Cottam regional director Mark Barker said: “This is a major success story for the practice. It truly reflects the strong feedback we have had for our work on P21 schemes, as well as our excellent reputation and long standing experience for delivering NHS schemes on time and on budget.”

Brian James, Chief Executive of The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We look forward to working with Race Cottam and BAM Construct UK Ltd on this programme of work, which will take place as the first stage of The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust's ambitious investment project to refurbish and upgrade Rotherham Hospital.

“The ward upgrades will be in line with our innovative Future Ward model, incorporating four-bedded en-suite bays and single-bedded en-suite rooms, but will also incorporate an array of technological, environmental, service and facilities improvements emerging from several major ongoing programmes of work all of which are taking place as part of our ground-breaking Hospital of Tomorrow project.”

ProCure21 is the Government's £3.4 billion procurement method for publicly funded NHS Capital Schemes. It is currently being used to deliver community hospitals, primary care centres, mental health units and other acute services such as cardiac care and out-patient units.

ProCure21 offers rapid mobilisation of projects with supply-chains with excellent NHS experience. It provides joint incentives, long-term relationships, performance measurement and support from the Department of Health.

-ends-

Notes for Editors: • Leading architectural practice Race Cottam Associates prides itself on delivering high quality design solutions and services across a wide range of project fields including retail, residential, industrial, health, education, leisure, commercial, environmental and transport. • With studios in Sheffield and Knutsford, Cheshire, the successful company's principal focus is building design from the conceptual to the detailed construction drawings. It employs about 30 highly skilled staff. • Most of its fee turnover is generated from the delivery of building projects in the £5million to £20 million construction cost range. Released on behalf of Race Cottam Associates by HR Media Ltd www.hrmedia.org.uk. For further information, contact Alexander Mills on 0114 296 5567, email: alexm@hrmedia.org.uk.