The opening of Belfast's new maternity hospital could be delayed by another 28 months. Mike Nesbitt told the assembly he couldn't "soften the news" and has asked for an external expert to review if the decision taken is the best one and if parts of the hospital could be opened in the meantime. The minister also said that he is "far from finished" on the matter and he also needs to better understand why some experts have disagreed with the option taken by the health trust. During last Thursday's health committee, it emerged that the health trust faced three options to try and fix the water system. These included: The new maternity hospital, which is based in the grounds of the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast, is already 10 years behind schedule and has cost £97m so far. At present management has chosen the second option which they said was the "safest" way to proceed as vulnerable babies would be protected. The trust took possession of the five-storey building in March 2024 and began a "clinical commissioning phase" - a process of ensuring a safe transition of service to the new site. Just a few months later in July, the trust said that during testing of water outlets, high levels of Pseudomonas aeruginosa were discovered in the water system. Pseudomonas infection killed three babies at Belfast's Royal Jubilee Hospital in 2012. The infection does not usually affect healthy people but infants and people with weakened immune systems are vulnerable. Marie-Louise Connolly, BBC News NI Health Correspondent This latest development on when Belfast's new maternity hospital will open is simply incredible. While the safety of babies and mothers is paramount, it seems that taking a decision about what needs to happen next has again been allowed to drift. Yet another expert is being called into review and advise on how the trust's management team plans to resolve the crisis. And all the while time is ticking with pregnant women, new babies and staff expected to work in less than perfect conditions.
New Belfast maternity hospital could face a further 28-month delay
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Belfast's New Maternity Hospital Faces Possible 28-Month Delay Due to Water Contamination Issues"
Bbc News
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TruthLens AI Summary
The anticipated opening of Belfast's new maternity hospital could face an additional delay of up to 28 months, as highlighted by Mike Nesbitt during a recent assembly meeting. Nesbitt expressed the gravity of the situation, stating he could not 'soften the news' regarding the current status of the project. He has requested an external expert to evaluate the decision-making process and to explore whether any parts of the hospital could be operational sooner. This ongoing issue has raised concerns, especially since the health trust's management team has already faced criticism for their chosen approach regarding the hospital's water system, which is critical for the safety of expectant mothers and newborns. The new facility, located on the grounds of the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast, has already experienced a significant delay of ten years and has incurred costs of £97 million to date. The management has opted for what they deemed the 'safest' option to proceed, highlighting their commitment to protecting vulnerable infants from potential health risks.
Compounding the urgency of the situation, a recent testing of the water system revealed high levels of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a bacterium that poses a serious risk to newborns and individuals with weakened immune systems. This bacterium was notably responsible for the deaths of three infants at the Royal Jubilee Hospital in 2012, underscoring the critical need for swift action. The health trust had taken possession of the five-story building in March 2024 and initiated a clinical commissioning phase aimed at ensuring a safe transition to the new site. However, the discovery of contamination has led to renewed scrutiny of the trust's management decisions and their overall handling of the crisis. As the situation unfolds, there are growing concerns over the implications for pregnant women and newborns who continue to face suboptimal conditions in existing facilities, highlighting the pressing need for effective and timely resolution of the hospital's challenges.
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