The handover of the
new Foundation Wing building, expected on July 4th, has been delayed due to
internal flooding during the Jubilee weekend.
Chief Executive Lorene Read said “I am extremely
disappointed and upset at this unexpected delay, so close to the anticipated
handover date. Work on the building had been progressing well and to time and
within budget and we were all excited at the prospect of taking possession of
what will be an excellent new facility.
“I am advised by the contractor, Interserve, that as a
result of what appears to be faulty pipe work, the mains supply to the second
floor burst which resulted in the building sustaining considerable flood
damage. Interserve have shut down all works for a two week period to enable a
full investigation and detailed damage assessment to take place.
“Until the assessment is complete
the opening date of the building will not be known but the delay is likely to
be months not weeks.
“This means that
sadly our exciting plans to increase the number of ITU beds for local people
and the opening of our specially designed children’s ward with facilities for
adolescents will be held back.
“I would like to
assure local people that we are doing everything we can to ensure that these
important new facilities will be delivered as close as possible to our original
planned opening.”
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