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Sodexo has been appointed to operate a further 121 fixed and mobile Covid-19 testing centres for the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC).
This means Sodexo, which already runs 202 fixed and mobile sites, will operate 30 per cent of all UK testing centres from next month, making it the largest provider in the country.
The value of the award could be up to £404 million, although the amount may differ materially from this as the contract is designed to be flexible to the demand for testing over the coming 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, from 16 August 2021.
Sodexo has been working in partnership with DHSC to support the test centre programme since the beginning of the pandemic in March 2020, mobilising and operating regional, local and mobile testing centres across the UK, as well recruiting testers.
Stuart Winters, CEO Healthcare of 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.”
The 12-month contract comes with an option to extend by a further six months.
Sodexo is the latest support services provider to continue its work at Covid-19 testing centres, following the recent announcements from Serco and Mite who have had their contracts renewed following a competitive retender.
