The Pardubice Region replaced the designers to reduce the cost of building the hospital

Moravská Třebová - The new follow-up care hospital in Moravská Třebová, in the Svitavy region, will not cost more than 300 million crowns. After changing the design team, it has been possible to adhere to this amount. The project should soon obtain a building permit, stated the Pardubice Regional Authority in a press release. The hospital, which is being established by the region, is currently located in rented facilities, which the regional authority does not wish to continue.

"The original design team's proposal was completely outside the original intention. The design office subsequently replaced this team, as it did not meet the assignment. Now we have reached a phase where the project has been adjusted to the specified limits," stated Governor Martin Netolický (ČSSD).

According to him, the savings will not affect the quality of the building itself or the level of provided care. It was more about elements that are not necessary for a hospital-type building and increase costs, such as a rooftop garden and terraces, he added.

"At this moment, we expect the issuance of a joint building permit, to which no objections have been submitted. It is possible that there will be minor adjustments to the construction schedule, but if there are no unexpected delays, we would like to announce a tender for the construction contractor in March next year," Netolický stated.

The regional authority wanted to start construction in the fall but later postponed the date to spring next year. Delays were caused by changes in the project. The costs of 300 million crowns also include the hospital's equipment. The project includes, in addition to the hospital itself with 90 beds, a catering operation, rehabilitation facilities, an administrative-operational part, and an ambulance station including parking for ambulances. The region acquired the land for the construction free of charge from Moravská Třebová.

The region negotiated the purchase of the hospital with three owners, who have owned the buildings since 1994 and also work in the facility. However, they could not agree on the terms. The private owners acquired the buildings from the city. In the 1990s, the city halted their privatization, later entered into a limited partnership with individuals, but subsequently sold its share.