HSC will fight to keep PEH work on track

Policy & Resources wants to shelve plans for the second phase of the project – now estimated to cost about £120m.

But HSC has rejected the idea of a delay and pledged to challenge it in a States debate on capital projects this summer.

‘We are very disappointed that this is the P&R recommendation as there is a clear and evidenced need for the second phase of the hospital modernisation programme and for it to continue seamlessly, using the contractors who are already on site delivering phase one,’ the committee said in a statement.

Deputy Al Brouard’s committee already has planning permission for phase two and said it would address challenges identified as far back as 2011.

‘We will do our best to persuade the Assembly to prioritise this much-needed programme of work and, if needed, will lay the necessary amendments in due course to enable that debate in July.

‘We are determined to push for phase two to be considered as a “do as planned” programme in view of the considerable work that has been completed to date.’

P&R has also said it wants to press ahead with a new children and families’ community hub.

‘We are pleased to see the proposals to accelerate [this], recognising the need to invest in facilities for children and families as a priority, but with a manageable project that is of a size and scope that can be delivered in practice.

‘We fully support the desire the accelerate this,’ said HSC.