The beleaguered first phase of the hospital modernisation will not be completed until an unspecified date in 2026 at the earliest – but there is more positive news for the substantial second phase of the project.

Deputy George Oswald, President of Health & Social Care, told the States yesterday that contractor Rihoy & Son is still in the process of rectifying defects with the build which includes a new critical care unit. 

The “hope” is the new unit will open at some point in 2026 but is dependent on these works being satisfactorily completed, with the contractor now taking back responsibility for the site. 

“This delay, while deeply regrettable, is unavoidable and stems from remedial issues that must be addressed by the contractor before the new units can safely operate,” Deputy Oswald said. 

He declined to answer additional questions about phase one due to “commercial sensitivities”. 

But Deputy Oswald said it will bring news plans for the second phase of the project to the States in 2026 following the successful completion of internal investigations into its scope and scale following repeated cost pressures.

The hospital is being modernised in response to forecast increased demand in health and care services over the next few decades.

“Phase 2 was originally envisaged to provide additional theatre capacity, alongside a new build rehousing multiple clinical areas. In October 2023 the States agreed to fund Phase 2 at a total cost of £120 million,” Deputy Oswald said. 

The second phase has been hit with repeated problems including the revelation that senior officials had withheld key cost estimates from colleagues and political members at times of parliamentary votes.

Additional scrutiny and investigations were ordered including a value engineering report, which Deputy Oswald revealed has brought the expected cost closer to the original £120m figure.

But he said a clinical appraisal is needed as HSC looks to split the second phase into two parts with the first focusing on new buildings, with the second involving refurbishment including the Emergency Department. 

“I am pleased to say that with the input of a Healthcare Planner, a Healthcare construction project management company, our local teams and the Committee, such reappraisal is approaching completion,” Deputy Oswald said.

The falling birth rate, and consequent effect on maternity services, have been considered in redesigns, he added.