LETA. It is planned to entrust the further management of the construction process of the block A2 building of Pauls Stradiņš Clinical University Hospital (PSKUS) to the SJSC "State Real Estate" (SRE), the Stradiņš Hospital confirmed to the LETA news agency.
As the hospital explains, the aim of these changes is to ensure the quality completion of the project and to take advantage of the SRE's long-standing experience in infrastructure development and construction. SRE has expressed its readiness to provide professional support to the hospital at all stages of the project: from design and procurement to risk management and quality control of construction works, the hospital points out.
According to the information provided by PSKUS, this approach has also been agreed with the Ministry of Health and members of the Saeima.
The hospital explains that the construction process so far has been challenging – the building was originally scheduled to be put into operation in spring 2023, but the general contractor, LTD "Velve", failed to meet its contractual obligations, repeatedly requested additional deadlines and funding, and committed major construction defects. This led to the termination of the contract on 13 February 2024.
After the contract was terminated, Stradiņš Hospital took over construction management and started work in three phases. In the first phase, urgent works were carried out with hospital resources, while in the second phase the necessary works were continued by the general partnership "P un S būvniecība". These two phases are now completed. The third phase envisages the transfer of project management to SRE, the engagement of a new general contractor and the full completion of construction works.
"The SRE team is honoured by the confidence shown in our competence to take over the management of the block A2 construction process. We are aware of the importance of healthcare infrastructure for the development of a country and the great responsibility that this partnership entails. SRE's strong team of professionals is ready to ensure quality, transparent and sustainability-oriented project implementation, managing risks and adapting to the changing external environment. Our task is to ensure that the block A2 is completed in accordance with the best management practices and serves the public health interests in the long term," confirms Jeļena Gavrilova, Member of the Board of SRE.
As reported earlier, the hospital launched a tender for the completion of the project. In response to questions from the business community during the procurement process, the PSKUS decided to merge the two procurements. The decision merges the procurement of the dismantling and mould liquidation works for the damaged areas and the procurement for the completion of the second phase of construction works for the block A2.
As the hospital explained, such a unified approach will reduce risks, avoid confusion over responsibilities or conflicts between contractors, and save time and money during the works, allowing for more efficient planning and prompt handling of unforeseen situations.
The hospital has promised that an extended procurement is planned to be launched in the next few months in order to conclude the contract with the builder for the completion of block A2 by the end of this year.
The A2 building is planned to house the Emergency Medicine Centre and reception, operating theatres, surgical and neurosurgical profiles, neurology department and stroke unit, maxillofacial surgery, intensive care and the Women and Children’s Clinic together with a maternity unit.
The hospital has explained that the total project budget is EUR 156.7 million, which will cover both construction works and medical equipment to ensure that the hospital is fully functional once the building is operational. The European Union funds are covering the bulk of the construction costs – 85%.
SRE was established in 1996 and its sole owner is the Ministry of Finance. SRE is responsible for 15% of all state real estate.
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