National Health Service (NHS) England has named professional services company Turner & Townsend alongside Mace as the programme delivery partner for its New Hospital Programme (NHP) in the UK.

The NHP, initiated in October 2020, is designed to transform the NHS' healthcare facilities for the benefit of patients and clinicians nationwide.

The scheme aims to deliver a series of new hospitals, refurbish existing facilities, and enhance access to modern healthcare services across the country.

After a September 2024 strategic review, the UK's secretary of state for health announced a portfolio rebalance and a funding structure based on five-year investment waves.

The programme will focus initially on rebuilding healthcare facilities constructed with reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC), with the first seven projects set for completion by 2030.

The delivery of additional hospitals will continue in waves over the next 15 years and beyond.

The NHP is set to adopt a programmatic approach to hospital delivery, focusing on speed, cost-effectiveness, and safety.

By embracing an industrialised construction methodology, standardised designs, and off-site manufacturing, the programme claims to create opportunities for small and medium suppliers throughout the UK.

This approach is expected to expedite the delivery of state-of-the-art facilities equipped with modern clinical technologies.

Turner & Townsend Real Estate UK managing director Chris Sargent said: "We are thrilled to be appointed as the programme delivery partner for the New Hospital Programme. This appointment builds on the work we are already doing in the sector and our extensive experience in programme management, as well as our longstanding relationship with the NHS.

“Our collaborative approach with Mace and our national supply chain partners will ensure the delivery of state-of-the-art healthcare facilities that meet the needs of patients and clinicians across the UK.”

"We are committed to leveraging our expertise to drive value, efficiency, and innovation in this once-in-a-generation programme."

Last month, Turner & Townsend was chosen as the project manager as part of a project team appointed by the New South Wales state government for the A$265m ($168.6m) upgrade of the Port Macquarie Base Hospital in Australia.