Two consortiums are left in the frame for a £148m PFI hospital scheme in Romford, Essex.
ne team is made up of contractor Bouygues, architect Nightingale Associates and Catalyst Healthcare; the other includes Bovis Lend Lease, facilities manager Sodexho and the Bank of Scotland.

A third bid from Laing/Hyder did not make it to the final stage for the 800-bed hospital. Havering Hospitals NHS Trust project director Duane Passman said the decision to reject this bid was not related to the sale of Laing's construction arm.

A preferred bidder will be chosen by August with financial close expected in December.

Catalyst Healthcare is also bidding for the redevelopment of Walsgrave Hospital in Coventry. A shortlist for the £200m scheme will be announced next Friday.