11 April 2013
University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust signs contracts with four retailers for its new Welcome Centre
University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust (UH Bristol)
has signed contracts with four retailers for its new Welcome
Centre, due to open at the end of 2013 as part of the wider
redevelopment of the Bristol Royal Infirmary (BRI).
The retailers are Costa Coffee, WHSmith, Marks & Spencer and
Stockshop.
UH Bristol is in discussion with one further retailer to
complete the line-up.
The £5 million Welcome Centre will transform the entrance to the
BRI, ensuring a positive first impression of the Trust for all who
visit.
Deborah Lee, Director of Strategic Development, said: "We are
working with a range of retailers to offer a variety of outlets
which are able to respond to the different needs of patients,
visitors and staff whilst they are in our hospitals. The Welcome
Centre will enable us to do this in an outstanding, welcoming and
bright new setting.
"Alongside the new retailers there will be other facilities for
patients including an outpatient booking service, patient support
and complaints service and patient information service; all of
which have been made possible through the income we will receive
from the retailers."
The Welcome Centre is being funded through an innovative public
private partnership and as well as providing a valuable range of
facilities, it will provide income to support the delivery of
patient care.
UH Bristol will continue to work with its non-commercial
partners, including the WRVS, to provide the widest variety of
refreshments for patients, visitors and staff to choose from.
Deborah Lee continued: "Volunteering remains central to the NHS
and we will continue to work together with our non-commercial
partners in new and existing ways to support the life and work of
UH Bristol."
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