'Such terrible waste' as health trust buildings could cost an extra £20m

Almost £20m in additional costs due to problems at two Belfast Health Trust buildings has been described as "such terrible waste".

Newly-discovered issues with the Belfast maternity hospital could add almost £10m to the project's spiralling costs, while the amount spent on repairs and rehousing patients at the Acute Mental Health facility has now reached £9.4m.

Daniel McCrossan, who chairs the Public Accounts Committee, said: "We can't see such waste, such terrible waste, within our public sector and then still go to London and demand more [money]."

The Department of Health (DoH) said the extra building costs are "disappointing" but it is essential they are "completed and delivered".

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.

A report seen by the BBC estimates a repair bill of £7.8m, with an option of 24-hour contractor working bringing that close to £10m. Work to replace the valves is now under way.

Stormont's Public Accounts Committee oversees public spending in Northern Ireland.

SDLP MLA McCrossan said "the buck stops with the Department of Health".

"There needs to be some accountability here when it comes to the use, and indeed misuse, of public money where wastage could have been prevented."

McCrossan added that every pound counts because "it is public money".

"There needs to be very clear accountability here and we need a reassurance because we've sought this - when are these facilities going to actually open to benefit the taxpayer whose money has been invested in building it?

"When are patients going to get the benefit out of using these facilities which they're designed for?

"And ultimately, how much more are we going to stick sticking plasters over problems instead of grabbing the bull by the horns and getting these things done?"

The new maternity facility is due to replace the existing Royal Jubilee maternity hospital at the Royal Victoria Hospital, but the opening date remains in doubt because of the ongoing repair issues.

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 Freedom of Information responses to the BBC, the Belfast Trust refused to say if the repair costs were being met by relevant building contractors or from taxpayer money.

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."

In a statement, Belfast Trust said the current repair cost estimates were in the region of £7m, but the final overall cost for the project is still not known and would also be subject to inflation.

It said the plan to have one part of the new building occupied by March 2027 and the neonatal unit handed over by November 2027 depended on the success of the repair programme.

The Department of Health said it and the Belfast Trust "are reviewing the factors that have led to cost increases and delays".

A DoH statement said the department was "acutely aware of the pressures on public finances".

Adding: "Should specific liability be established, we will ensure that the relevant parties are held accountable."

In a statement, Graham Construction said GBHP successfully handed over the hospital to the trust "in accordance with its contractual obligations".

"Prior to handover, all water quality samples tested within the facility were confirmed to be free from pseudomonas aeruginosa (PsA). These tests were independently witnessed and verified by up to seven separate parties providing robust assurance of compliance at the point of handover," said Graham Construction.

"Following completion of the handover process, GBHP has had no involvement in the management, operation, or maintenance of the hospital. GBHP has not been party to, nor involved in, any matters arising after handover, including the ongoing issues relating to water quality within the building."

The £33m Acute Mental Health facility, on the site of Belfast City Hospital, was opened in 2019 but has also been beset by problems which have forced patients to be relocated.

The repair bill for the facility is £6m, however a further £3.4m has been spent making wards on the Knockbracken Healthcare site in south Belfast suitable to rehouse patients.

Patients are not expected to return to the Acute Mental Health facility until February 2029.