Bevan Brittan LLP has advised Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Trust on a hospital PFI deal worth £320 million to modernise the provision of acute services in Central Nottinghamshire. The project is the largest hospital deal to reach financial close in the last six months.

The project, which is expected to be operational in 2011 includes repair and maintenance service, construction work and the installation of medical equipment.  The construction work comprises new wards, a diagnostic and treatment centre and a women and children’s unit.

Skanska Innisfree was selected as preferred partner to the project in September 2004 and Deutsche Bank acted as bond arranger.  The consortium was advised by Clifford Chance.

Health partner Sharon Renouf, who lead the team commented: “Thanks to the hard work of all those involved this is the largest health project to have reached successful financial close in recent months. Bevan Brittan has a strong track record in health PFI’s and we are pleased to have been involved in a project which will truly help revitalise the health sector in the Midlands.”

John Williams, Project Director of Sherwood Hospitals NHS Trust added: “We are delighted that this project has reached financial close.  The unceasing drive of Sharon and the team at Bevan Brittan means we now have contracted for what we hope will be, an award winning hospital fully compliant with the NHS consumerism agenda.”