Deputy questions how nearly £5m. was spent planning an upgrade to PEH

£1.92m. was spent on project planning for the first phase of hospital modernisation last year, which was detailed in the 2021 States Accounts, and another £2.85m. was allocated for project planning in the 2020 Accounts.

Deputy Queripel said he was concerned that he had seen no breakdown of what was spent where.

‘The “Our Hospital Modernisation” programme is a complex, multi-year series of interlinked projects consisting of two main building phases plus a range of associated critical works which has an estimated cost range of £120-160m,’ the committee said in response to the written questions.

‘As with any programme of this scale, financial resources are required to ensure that development is properly planned, managed and executed to meet timelines and ensure value for money.

‘All contracts with providers have appropriate governance systems in place and are overseen with appropriate management safeguards. The sums quoted are separate funding approvals, with the £2.85m. largely being used to progress Phase 1 of the works and the £1,920,000 supporting the progression of Phase 2, although aspects of both phases are running simultaneously so there is some overlap of activity.’

Much of the higher spend went on architectural, engineering, project management and other minor consultants, and the establishment of a programme management office.

The phase two spend was also largely architectural fees, with money also spent to refurbish a building at Les Huriaux as programme headquarters and a base for builders on site.

All appointed suppliers delivered their work as expected within budget, the committee added.