Investigation into tendering process for hospital shops

Wessex Retail claims its never signed a contract to run the services

An investigation is to be carried out into the tendering process to rent out the two shop units at Nobles Hospital.

It’s been announced government is to take over the running of the hospital shops after an external tender to rent out the units failed to find any takers.

The Department of Health and Social Care had stated it would be a lucrative source of income, although the move has been widely criticised.

Wessex Retail has run the service since the hospital opened.

Managing Director Adrian Christian claims they've never received or signed a formal contract or lease - despite numerous requests.

Minister for Health and Social Care, Howard Quayle, has paid tribute to the staff working at the hospital shops but says he's been forced into the current situation