The newly formed Great North Healthcare Alliance has launched a strategic construction programme aimed at tackling backlog maintenance and modernising healthcare infrastructure across the North East and North Cumbria.
This ambitious initiative will span 15 years and is valued at up to £3 billion, with an initial four-year work programme estimated at around £500 million excluding VAT.
The Alliance comprises four key NHS Foundation Trusts: The Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust, and North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust.
Together, they serve a region stretching from Whitehaven to Berwick and are collaborating to transform health and care services through improved infrastructure, digital services, and a commitment to achieving net zero targets.
The newly formed Great North Healthcare Alliance has launched a strategic construction programme
The strategic programme focuses not only on resolving urgent maintenance challenges but also on enhancing population health by moving care closer to communities and supporting a digital service transformation.
It builds upon successful projects already delivered within the region, including Gateshead’s leadership in establishing a Community Diagnostic Centre at the Metro Centre.
As part of this early market engagement under the Procurement Act 2023, the Alliance is inviting construction and technical service providers to contribute insights that will help shape forthcoming formal procurements scheduled for Autumn 2025.
The programme’s scope will be broad, with multiple specific procurements anticipated, all subject to funding availability.
The strategic programme focuses not only on resolving urgent maintenance challenges but also on enhancing population health
Lynsey Allan, the Alliance’s engagement coordinator, emphasised the regional economic impact of the programme: “While this is an amazing programme in its own right, it will be a missed opportunity if it does not add to the North East and North Cumbria economy and increase the skills and capability of the region.”
An engagement event will be held on Friday 11 July 2025 in Newcastle.
This strategic programme offers a major opportunity for construction industry players, especially SMEs, to take part in reshaping healthcare infrastructure across the North East and North Cumbria.
With a 15-year duration from April 2026 to March 2041, the initiative promises long-term, transformative work. Interested parties are encouraged to engage before the deadline on 31 December 2025.
Due to limited capacity, interested parties are advised to contact Lynsey Allan at lynsey.allan@nhs.net to secure a place.