Caxton FM has been awarded the largest PFI contract in Wales so far. Welsh Assembly Health and Social Services Secretary, Jane Hutt, gave approval to this PFI deal when she made the announcement just before the Christmas holidays.

Cardiff-based Caxton FM, part of the Kier Group, and a member of the Baglan Moor Healthcare consortium will provide support and maintenance services at the hospital in Neath Port Talbot for a contracted period of 30 years. Caxton has been involved in the project for the last three years and will work alongside the construction team when work commences in the early part of 2000. Kier Group recently constructed Hairmyres Hospital in Scotland as part of a PFI scheme.

Caxton's Managing Director and Chairman, Clive Thomas, former international football referee, is clearly excited about the project, "I can honestly say that this announcement means as much to me as being chosen to referee the World Cup.

"We have invested a lot of time and money on the project and it is wonderful to know that we can soon commence work. From our point of view, we will be responsible for all non-clinical support services and will be for the next three decades. Therefore, we will ensure that the hospital is built to the highest specification, so that we can maintain it in top condition over that period."

He added," The support service and maintenance staff will transfer to us and we have already met with the Unions and will ensure that all conditions are met under TUPE regulations. Where new staff are appointed in Management and staff positions, we will continue with our policy of using local people wherever possible", finished Clive Thomas.

If you want to read more on this contract, visit Caxton's website on www.caxtonfm.co.uk

Anna Lagerkvist