Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust has awarded IHP, a joint venture between VINCI Construction UK and Sir Robert McAlpine, the major contract to improve the hospital's key clinical services. .

The hospital, located on Liverpool Road, has embarked on a £13m extension to the rear of the facility. Improvements include a 21 bed Critical Care Unit on the first floor and a 30 bed elective care ward on the ground floor, which will host a new bariatric surgery service.


Once completed, the new facility will greatly improve services, particularly for the families of patients being cared for in the critical care unit. They will have the ability to stay overnight in two spacious en suite bedrooms.

Mark Thomas, Regional Director, IHP, Building Division - North West, said:. "We are delighted to be working with the trust on this scheme to develop their key clinical services. The extension will provide the hospital with a modern facility where patients will be cared for in a spacious and comfortable environment."

The project is within the Procure21+ framework and is due to be completed October 2013.

(CD)