An interim report from “industry leading experts” into how dangerous bacteria was found in water outlets in the crisis-hit Royal Maternity and Children’s is currently being reviewed, the Belfast Health Trust has said.
The over-budget hospital had initially been expected to open in 2015, but delays meant work only got under way in 2017, with the building handed over to the Trust in early 2024.
But the discovery of high levels of pseudomonas – affecting 459, or more than a third (36%) of water outlets in the buildings – has delayed the opening further .
Meanwhile, new revelations of medical gas pipework problems within the neonatal unit have compounded the issues.
That announcement, described by Health Minister Mike Nesbitt as “totally shocking”, prompted calls from DUP health spokesperson Diane Dodds for an independent review into the project.
This week, the Belfast Trust confirmed a review had already been commissioned into the problems affecting the water system and that an interim report was currently being considered by officials.
“Belfast Trust has commissioned an independent review of the water systems in the new Maternity Hospital. This review is being undertaken by industry leading experts,” said a spokesperson.
“This week, Belfast Trust received an interim report from the independent experts. The Trust is currently reviewing the findings and recommendations in light of the clinical risk assessments for all services planned within the building.
“This review is essential to ensure that the Trust have the necessary assurance that they will be able to safely deliver services within the new building once any proposed remediation works are completed.
“Following this clinically led review, the Trust anticipates being able to advise the Department of Health and the Health Committee of the next steps for the building.”
Officials from the Belfast Trust are due to appear at Stormont’s Health Committee next week
The Trust also said they were working with the design team to determine the next steps in resolving the issues affecting the project.
“Direct contractual responsibility for handover rests with the design team,” said a spokesperson.
“However, a number of teams across the Trust were involved in discussions at this stage, including the water safety group.
“We are working with colleagues in the Department of Health and from the design team to agree how best to progress the required remediation.”
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Officials from both the Department and the Belfast Trust are due to appear before the Health Committee next week to answer questions on the current state of the project.
Mrs Dodds said their appearance would be a “critical step” in scrutinising the Trust.
“I have been probing this issue for more than six months and struggling to get answers,” she said.
“The repeated delays, spiralling costs, and the emergence of potentially dangerous bacteria in the water pipework and issues with medical gas pipework are completely unacceptable.
“These failures represent a major breach of trust in how public funds have been wasted in a building project which is now and omnishambles. It is vital that the relevant decisionmakers are held accountable.
“There needs to be an end of the drip-feed of information. All cards must be laid on the table. I urge all witnesses to cooperate fully.”