Pohde halts 33 million euro modular hospital procurement

North Ostrobothnia wellbeing services county Pohde has suspended the procurement of modular facilities for Oulu University Hospital, Yle reports. Pohde’s regional board decided on Tuesday to restart preparations for a modular hospital intended as temporary premises.

The earlier procurement decision has been appealed to the Market Court. Elementit-E Oy was selected as the contractor, with the procurement valued at about 33 million euros.

Pohde said the preparation process had revealed errors and ambiguities in the request for tenders. The need for the facilities has also changed during the process.

“We must ensure that the procurement meets the actual need in a rapidly changing situation and that the tendering process is conducted fairly for the bidders,” wellbeing services county director Ilkka Luoma said in a statement.

Pohde decided to acquire the modular facilities in the spring after problems in the old hospital buildings worsened and created a risk that operations could be interrupted. Care units awaiting new premises are operating in buildings affected by indoor air and water damage.

Pohde said the request for a procurement correction will lapse because the procurement has been suspended.