The project will be the largest PFI scheme of its kind to date in Scotland. The new hospital will be built on the130 hectare site of the Royal Scottish National Hospital at Larbert, Falkirk and will provide the full range of hospital services found in a district general hospital. The hospital will be supported by a range of community hospitals across Forth Valley.

The new hospital features an innovative atrium at is focal point, with clinical buildings arranged in a village-like design providing easy access for patients and visitors.

Commenting on the scheme, Richard Weston, managing director of Equion Ltd said; “We are delighted to have been awarded this project, which is the largest PFI hospital in Scotland. We have worked closely with the NHS Board to develop a detailed design that will provide the people of Forth Valley with some of the most modern hospital facilities in the UK.”

NHS Forth Valley Chairman Ian Mullen OBE added; “By 2009, the people of Forth Valley will have a new, state-of-the-art hospital providing modern, high quality services. Our vision for healthcare in Forth Valley is in line with national policy. We believe that where possible patients should be treated closer to home in community hospitals and health centres. When they do have to come into hospital, services should be focussed on their needs and provided in purpose-designed facilities.”

ENDS

For further information contact:

Madano Partnership

Anne Sampson/Matthew Moth      020 7593 4000

John Laing plc

Christine Jones                               020 7901 3200

 NOTES TO EDITORS

- Equion is a specialist provider of PFI and PPP accommodation projects offering a combination of skills and experience from planning and funding, through to design, construction and operation

- Services on offer at the Larbert Hospital will include accident and emergency, trauma and orthopaedics, general medicine and general surgery, vascular surgery, ENT, urology and ophthalmology, obstetrics and gynaecology, medical and surgical paediatrics, adult mental health, old age psychiatry, medicine for the elderly, renal services including dialysis, cancer and palliative care. Inpatient services will be supported by a wide range of outpatient, day treatment, day surgery, diagnostic and therapy services.