Wragge & Co LLP's healthcare practice has advised the East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust on a contract for a state-of-the-art, multi-million pound treatment centre at the Lister hospital in Stevenage. The deal forms part of the Department of Health's independent sector treatment centre (ISTC) programme.

The East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust and the Department of Health signed contracts with NHS independent sector partner Clinicenta Limited to finance, build and run the Lister Surgicentre. The East and North Hertfordshire PCT will be the lead commissioner of the services provided through the Surgicentre. Expected to open in April 2011, the facility will treat more than 15,000 NHS patients per year.

Partner David Hamlett led the team with assistance from associate Julia Holdright. Lee McBride, Maxine Symington, Jessica Jones and Claire Hughes also advised on real estate, commercial and employment issues. The team worked alongside Stephen Posey, director of strategic development and project manager Wendy Scarr at the East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust.

David Hamlett said: "Wragge & Co has been at the heart of NHS reforms for a number of years. The ISTC programme offers patients greater choice and access to health services across the UK. We used our in-depth knowledge of the healthcare sector and understanding of our client's objectives to create the best possible foundation for this partnership."

Stephen Posey said: "We have been working closely with Wragge & Co throughout what has been a highly complex project. The team's advice and support has always been what we have needed to conclude a successful deal that is in the best interests of NHS patients, the Trust and its staff."
 
Clinicenta is an NHS partner, providing support and capacity in the delivery of free 'at the point of treatment' healthcare in the UK. CMS Cameron McKenna led by partner Paul Smith advised Clinicenta.

Wragge & Co helped the Department of Health spearhead the introduction of ISTC services, which offer patients access to surgery and diagnostic procedures for a range of conditions, including hip and knee replacements and cataract surgery.

The firm's full-service 70-strong healthcare practice is at the forefront of developments in this dynamic sector. Sector 'firsts' include advising Central Surrey Health; a not-for-profit organisation owned and managed by the nurses and therapists who work for it. From joint ventures and social enterprises to employment-related advice, the team is helping the Government to offer greater choice and flexibility in the provision of healthcare. On an international scale, it provides commercial and outsourcing advice to the departments of health of two Middle Eastern countries. Experience includes advising the Abu Dhabi Government on the outsourcing of two major hospitals.

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For further information about this press release, contact Kathryn Hobbs on +44 (0)121 685 2785, Rebecca Davies on +44 (0)121 685 3819, Gayle Redding on +44 (0)121 685 2708 or Rebecca Lum on +44 (0)121 260 9973

This press release may contain information of general interest about current legal issues, but does not give legal advice.