Problems at health trust buildings could cost additional £20m

Problems at two Belfast Health and Social Care Trust buildings could amount to almost £20m in additional costs, the BBC has learned.

The maternity building on the Royal Victoria Hospital (RVH) site is already tens of millions of pounds over budget and more than a decade behind schedule. The new costs mean the project will exceed £100m.

It is understood the latest problem at the maternity hospital has been caused by chemical flushing aimed at dealing with the original issue of bacteria in the water system.

The flushing process has caused damage to the pipework, with more than 2,200 defective valves needing replaced.

The building was handed over to the Belfast Trust in March 2024, but the discovery of the potentially dangerous pseudomonas bacterium in the water system and other problems has meant the hospital has remained closed.

An investigation by trust managers into the building handover and subsequent water system issues was launched earlier this year. The BBC understands it will report this month.

In a series of questions from the BBC, the trust repeatedly answered: "The trust and its legal representatives continue to engage with independent experts on matters of liability and cannot provide a further update currently."

The trust took possession of the five-storey building from the joint contractors, Graham Construction and Bam Ireland (GBHP), and then began a "clinical commissioning phase" - a process of ensuring a safe transition of service to the new site.

Kaynak: BBC News Health RSS (Açık Basın / Haber Servisi)