Sodexo nets enlarged Test and Trace contract worth £400m
Sodexo has become the latest service provider to have its contract to run test and trace facilities for the NHS extended.
The outsourcer announced overnight that selected to operate a further 121 fixed and mobile Covid-19 testing centres, which makes it the biggest provider of such services in the country.
It added that the new contract, which will see it run more than 300 sites in total, could earn in up to £404m.
The deal will last for a year, with the option to extend it for six more months.
In total, Sodexo will operate 28 regional (drive-through) testing sites, 146 local (walk-in) testing sites and 149 mobile testing units, as well as the recruitment of testers for 67 sites operated by other service providers, the firm said.
Fellow outsourcers Mitie and Serco have already announced new contracts to continue providing facilities management and security for the sites.
Stuart Winters, chief executive for healthcare for Sodexo UK & Ireland, said: “I am incredibly proud of how we have supported the Government on test centres to date.
“Sodexo’s teams have moved quickly to set up COVID-19 testing centres as part of the industry-wide effort to tackle the pandemic.
“Our colleagues have gone above and beyond, working with pace and dedication to help keep people safe.”