Gwent Health Board Increases Job Opportunities for Local Building Contractors

Aneurin Bevan University Health Board (ABUHB) is looking to work with more local building services to assist with the maintenance of its sites.  

 

With roughly 77 properties across Gwent, ranging from pre-1900 structures to a new fully functional critical care hospital, upkeep of the Health Board’s buildings is a huge task.  

 

As a result, the ABUHB Estates team want to collaborate with local Small and Midsize Businesses (SMBs) to support and deliver minor works projects.  

 

This is a great opportunity for local building services to work with the Health Board, helping to maintain and improve their sites to ensure quality care for patients and safe working environments for staff. 

 

There will be collaboration opportunities in several different minor building works areas, including: 

·        general building works 

·        flooring 

·        ceiling 

·        painting and decorating 

·        electrical works 

·        mechanical works 

·        fire doors 

·        fire compartmentation 

·        roofing 

·        windows and glazing 

·        security (CCTV, access control, intruder) 

·        ventilation 

·        medical gas 

·        excavations and civils 

·        demolition 

·        asbestos removal 

·         

To compete for upcoming contracts, SMBs will need to apply to feature on the Health Board’s new Minor Works Framework, which is set to launch in early May.  

 

ABUHB Compliance Officer Rachel Jones, who has been heavily involved in the development of the framework, said “[it] allows the Health Board to successfully procure and engage quality building services who can work in collaboration with our Estates Team to enhance and support the Aneurin Bevan property portfolio, supporting clinical provision of quality patient care”.  

 

The framework is supported by Business Wales, a Welsh Government service for businesses in Wales.  

 

Howard Jacobson from Business Wales said, “Business Wales offers fully funded impartial information, advice, guidance and support for people in Wales that are starting, running, and growing businesses.”   

 

Contractors who are interested in the framework can contact Business Wales for help and advice on 03000 6 03000.  

 

In late March, the Health Board held a face-to-face and virtual Suppliers Event for interested businesses.  

 

88 contractors attended in-person and 38 joined the virtual session, highlighting the local interest to collaborate with the Health Board on minor works projects.  

 

ABUHB CEO Nicola Prygodzicz said, “Our aim is to provide the best possible experience and environment for our patients, staff and visitors, and so ensuring our hospitals and healthcare sites are well-maintained is essential for us. 

 

“It’s really important to us that our sites are maintained by quality contractors, and we’re very grateful to Business Wales for supporting local businesses to help us work together to achieve this. We’re excited to be able to offer so many opportunities to businesses in our local communities.” 

 

When launched in early May (date tbc), SMBs will be able to apply to be on the framework. More information can be found on the Business Wales website at https://www.sell2wales.gov.wales/search/show/search_view.aspx?ID=MAR430736 or by contacting Rachel Jones at Rachel.Jones43@wales.nhs.uk  

 

The framework does not exclude non-Welsh SMBs meaning any business that wants to apply can apply, but the increased support offered by Business Wales is only available for Welsh organisations.