Firms hold crisis talks to save Procure 21 framework

摘要

The government is to hold last-ditch talks with contractors on the NHS' Procure 21 framework next week in an attempt to save the scheme. The 11 remaining firms on the initiative are to meet Rob Smith, the head of NHS Estates, to ask for a reduction in their pound;170,000-a-year membership fee. Four of the 11 firms left - Carillion, Taylor Woodrow, Wates Group and Medicinq - have threatened to quit unless Smith addresses their concerns, and this has raised questions about the ability of the government to maintain large frameworks.