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A healthy nation is a happy nation. This relies on collaboration, an excellent supplier base, commitment and good value from the public, private and third sectors, together delivering the very best environments, products and services to meet the needs of patients and service users in our rapidly evolving world.

When it comes to commissioning services, supplies, works, major outsourcings  procurement and contracts, arrangements can be complex. They require commercial skills to ensure robust and appropriate agreements are in place, creating working relationships that ultimately lead to successful health outcomes.

Our specialist team of public sector commercial lawyers is here to help. When it comes to working smart, to understanding the complexities of your world; where the public, private and third sectors often converge, we have unparalleled experience and understanding and are adept at creating value.

From helping structure new ways of working, through outsourcing, company structures and trading companies, to supporting the development of public/private joint ventures, to procurement, contracting and dealing with disputes and insolvency, we’re here to help.

Our dedicated team are known for their razor-sharp commercial focus and sector knowledge. Our clients are our number one priority and we’ve won awards for our work. So you can rest assured, if you work in the healthcare sector and need a team on your side to navigate the road ahead, create best value and get the job done, we’re in your corner.

 

Our services

Procurement
  • Advice and design on procurement processes
  • Tailored terms and conditions
  • Bespoke procurement processes involving specific frameworks and evaluation processes
  • Complimentary training
  • Defending challenges
  • Successful challenges
  • Tailoring existing framework solutions to meet client needs
  • Weekly updates
  • Procurement Hotline
Contracting
  • Dedicated health-sector commercial specialists work with you on bespoke contracts, tailored standard form arrangements and their input is complimented with a wide range of specialisms including on VAT, GDPR, Pensions, Employment, Property and Regulatory matters
  • Support is provided by genuine ultra-specialists for example in IT, AI, FM, diagnostic equipment and construction
  • Support on contracting structure ensures efficiencies including tax efficiencies
  • Input on structure of transactions is also supplemented by specialist knowledge on unlocking opportunity for example through alternative funding vehicles
  • Market leaders in PFI, PPP, Managed Equipment Services
  • Leading advisors on FM outsourcings and insourcings
New ways of working
  • Corporate structures
  • New wave outsourcings
  • Trading companies
Joint ventures
  • Between NHS Trusts and other NHS organisations
  • Between NHS organisations and private sector
  • Between NHS organisation and the 3rd and voluntary sectors
Dealing with change
  • Force Majeure
  • Brexit
  • Covid-19
  • Insurance
  • PFI buy outs
  • PFI default
  • Refinancings
  • Step in
  • Variations
Dealing with termination and expiry of contracts
  • Compensation claims
  • Condition and compliance surveys
  • Due diligence
  • Handback arrangements
  • TUPE transfers
Dealing with insolvency
  • Assisting in compiling proofs of debt
  • Assisting with contingency plans
  • Assisting with recovery
  • Dealing with administration / administrators
  • Dealing with Liquidations / Liquidators

Our experience in ‘sorting out’ contracts which have not performed in accordance with their terms has helped to draft future proofed arrangements and to provide a variety of options for risk and reward.

Contact a specialist

Melanie Pears

Partner | Head of Public Sector

+44 (0) 330 137 3451

+44 (0)789 987 8424

Email Melanie Pears

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Tim Care

Partner | Public Sector

+44 (0) 330 137 3458

+44 (0) 752 590 3378

Email Tim Care

Read bio

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What people say

  • The team has all the technical and technological capabilities required in its sphere of work and as a client I have always felt fully supported on a technical and personal level.

    Legal 500
  • It was a pleasure working with you guys... I think we ended up with a strong contract and robust procurement - evidenced by the FBC sailing through central approvals. Remarkable team effort.

    Kyle McClelland, Project Director, Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
  • You [Melanie Pears] and your team have played a key role in getting us to where we are now. You have fitted into the team really well and have given us good and pragmatic advice along the way. I have worked with a number of legal firms over the years. My experience is that progress is made when there is a real understanding – both ways – of the issues and context. You and your team have provided this, so very many thanks for your contribution.

    David Hartshorne, Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
  • My heartfelt thanks for all of your support over the years which I have appreciated and valued greatly. You've given fantastic service to the NHS and this is highly valued. I have appreciated your help and friendship too.

    Michael Smillie, North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust
  • We have a real sense of a fresh approach from Ward Hadaway in terms of client engagement which is providing the Trust with added value benefits in terms of both cost and quality of service.

    Paul Dowell MCIPS, Deputy Head of Procurement & Supplies, University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust
  • It is very much a team effort, and Ward Hadaway add considerable skill and value to support the team.

    John Ord, Associate Project Director, Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Trust
  • Very honest, straight, gives good advice and tells us what to do…Access to the team is brilliant. Every interaction has been great and response is excellent.

    Andie Mackay, Projects Manager, County Durham Darlington Fire and Rescue Authority
  • In all areas their advice has been prompt and reliable. Their knowledge of the relevant legislation in these areas has been excellent and very helpful to the Trust.

    Kevin Lewis, Procurement & Contracts Manager, North East Ambulance Service NHS Trust

What we're thinking