Mitie has been awarded an £11.8 million Total Facilities Management (TFM) contract with Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust (BHRUT), covering King George Hospital in Ilford and four connected sites including Fanshawe Health Centre and Lyon Road. The five-year deal builds on a previous contract won in 2018 by Interserve, now part of Mitie, and encompasses a wide range of services such as patient catering, cleaning, security, reception, waste management, pest control, helpdesk support, and shuttle bus operations between King George and Queen’s Hospital.

A standout feature of the partnership is Mitie’s smart portering technology. Using AI-driven task management and smartphone location tracking, the system enhances the movement of patients, clinical items, linen, and waste across hospital sites. Previous trials at Cumberland Infirmary showed a 58% reduction in task response times and a 65% decrease in portering task completion times, highlighting the efficiency gains achievable through technology-led FM solutions.

Patient experience will also be improved through tablet-based meal ordering and a new click-and-collect coffee service, providing convenience and reducing waiting times.

Community impact is a core focus. Mitie plans to create six jobs for individuals outside education or employment in the first year, offer seven apprenticeships annually, and contribute 300 hours of volunteering each year through mentoring, educational visits, and healthcare charity support.

Mike Gibson, managing director for healthcare and education at Mitie, emphasised the benefits of technology in enhancing FM delivery. “From intelligent portering systems that free up clinical time, to click-and-collect catering, we’re making the experience better for patients, visitors and hospital staff,” he said.

Sean Greene, director of estates and facilities at BHRUT, added that the partnership provides tangible benefits for both patients and local communities.

Read the full article to see how Mitie is transforming hospital facilities management with technology and community impact.