Belfast Health Trust faces £20 million costs for new maternity, mental health facilities

Almost £20 million in additional costs has emerged due to issues at two Belfast Health Trust buildings, leading to criticism of "terrible waste." Problems at the new Belfast maternity hospital could contribute nearly £10 million to the project's escalating expenses, while repairs and patient rehousing at the Acute Mental Health facility have cost £9.4 million.

These financial overruns come as the Department of Health faces scrutiny over public spending in Northern Ireland. Daniel McCrossan, chair of the Public Accounts Committee, expressed frustration, noting that such waste undermines efforts to secure more funding from London. The maternity hospital project, located on the Royal Victoria Hospital site, is already more than a decade behind schedule and over budget by tens of millions. The new costs will push the total over £100 million, raising concerns about accountability and financial management.

The latest issues stem from a chemical flushing process intended to address bacteria found in the hospital's water system. This procedure has caused damage to the pipework, necessitating the replacement of over 2,200 defective valves. A report estimates this repair will cost around £7.8 million, potentially rising to nearly £10 million with expedited contractor work. The Belfast Trust, which received the building in March 2024, has not yet opened the new facility due to ongoing repairs and safety concerns.

McCrossan emphasized the need for clear accountability, urging the Department of Health to provide a timeline for when these facilities will finally benefit taxpayers. He questioned the repeated reliance on temporary fixes rather than addressing underlying issues. The maternity facility is set to replace the aging Royal Jubilee maternity hospital, but with the opening date now uncertain, the public continues to await clarity on when these critical healthcare services will be available.