Health board appoints Medirest to provide new café and retail services

Hywel Dda University Health Board has selected Medirest, part of Compass Group UK & Ireland to provide new café and retail services for patients, staff and visitors across all acute hospital sites, following a competitive tender process.

Medirest will provide Costa cafes and Amigo shops at Withybush, Glangwili, Prince Philip and Bronglais hospitals, with the addition of a Deli Marche at Bronglais.

The Health Board will now work with the Royal Voluntary Services, who previously oversaw the operations, to explore ways of retaining the services of its volunteers in the healthcare community, where they can continue to make a positive difference to patients.

Steve Moore, Chief Executive of Hywel Dda University Health Board, said: “More and more hospitals across the UK are looking at opportunities to support the patient and visitor experience, while also generating income that can be reinvested into improving hospital environments.

“We are pleased to select Medirest to deliver the quality and financial returns we expect against what is currently provided at each site. This is based on potential income for Hywel Dda UHB, as well as quality and scope of services being offered.”

Andrew Jones, Retail Operations Director Healthcare, Compass Group UK & Ireland added: “We’re looking forward to working with the Health Board, across its four hospitals in Wales. We’ll be implementing our trusted partner brands in these sites, bringing an enhanced service to patients, visitors and staff, as well as offer a source of income for the Health Board.” 

Interested parties were asked to outline their plans for the refurbishment of areas of the hospitals at zero cost to the Health Board, in order to generate income for the organisation through rent and turnover rent. This can be used to improve the hospital environment for patients and visitors

Hywel Dda UHB is committed to the Welsh Government’s vision to supporting healthy eating, which will be reflected in the change.

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For the latest news and updates from Hywel Dda University Health Board visit www.hywelddahb.wales.nhs.uk