The deals bring together NHS trusts and leading contractors to deliver 11 schemes through a new collaborative approach designed to build modern hospitals more efficiently.

The partnerships will support the delivery of Hospital 2.0 – the New Hospital Programme’s modern, standardised approach to designing, building, and operating hospitals.

Combining national standards, digital innovation and modern methods of construction, Hospital 2.0 will improve quality and productivity while creating healthcare environments that are safer, more sustainable and fit for the future.

The agreements signed on Thursday are:

• Airedale NHS Foundation Trust – GRAHAM
• Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust – Willmott Dixon Construction
• Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust – Sacyr UK
• North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust (Hinchingbrooke Hospital) – Kier Construction
• Hillingdon Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust – Laing O’Rourke
• James Paget University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust – Skanska
• Queen Elizabeth Hospital King’s Lynn NHS Foundation Trust – Skanska
• Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (Leighton Hospital) – Integrated Health Projects (VINCI Building and Sir Robert McAlpine Joint Venture)
• Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust – Morgan Sindall Construction
• Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust – Bovis Construction
• West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust – DRAGADOS Sociedad Anónima

Karin Smyth, Minister of State for Health, said: “For too long, the construction of new hospitals has been bogged down by bureaucratic procurement processes, even after full approval and funding was in place, and we’re determined to change that.

“The changes announced today are a major step forward in streamlining the procurement process. Patients can look forward to new hospitals being delivered quicker, industry can plan with certainty, and taxpayers can be assured that we are getting maximum value for their money.

“With stronger collaboration, shared learning and a boost for jobs, this further demonstrates this government’s commitment to the New Hospital Programme, providing world-class facilities for the NHS, and helping the economy in the process.”

Natalie Forrest, Chief Programme Officer for the New Hospital Programme, added: “The Hospital 2.0 Alliance marks an important milestone for the New Hospital Programme and a new way of delivering major public infrastructure.

“By bringing together NHS organisations and industry as genuine partners, we’re creating a model that combines national consistency with local leadership. Together, we’ll deliver hospitals that are safer, more sustainable and designed to meet the needs of patients and staff for generations to come.”

Rather than treating each hospital as a standalone project, the approach enables organisations to share expertise, apply consistent standards and continuously improve delivery across multiple schemes.