No guarantee from Health new CCU will open in 2026

States officials had said the block would open in autumn 2024 before it was delayed again to early 2025

Guernsey's Health and Social Care Committee hopes to open the new critical care unit (CCU) in 2026, but could give no timescales on when the project would be complete.

In a statement, Deputy George Oswald, President of the Committee for Health and Social Care (HSC), said the opening was being postponed "until defects have successfully been removed".

In June, the BBC revealed further delays to the project, with some HSC officials keen to stress they believed the new unit would open in 2025.

It is understood the delays with the scheme were down to faults with the installation of new ventilation units and the placement of some walls.

Oswald said: "The opening of the new post anaesthetic care and critical care units at the Princess Elizabeth Hospital will remain postponed until defects have successfully been resolved.

"This delay, while deeply regrettable, is unavoidable and stems from issues that must be addressed before the units can safely operate."

'Huge disappointment'

In July, States Chief Executive Boley Smillie said he did not expect the new unit to open "any time soon".

Nick Dove, the Guernsey representative for the Royal College of Nursing, said the news would come as a "huge disappointment" to members.

He added that the current set up for staff at the current CCU, also known as intensive care, meant "when running at high capacity they have to work across two units in different parts of the hospital".

He said: "This creates logistical problems for staff and the wider management team.

"Despite these hurdles, the people of Guernsey can rest assured of the teams high standard of care and dedication wherever they may deliver that care."

What does the project include?

The new wards form the majority of phase one of the hospital modernisation project, a scheme which has already been dogged by delays.

The new CCU was planned to have eight beds initially, expanding to nine in 2025, and with capacity for 12 beds in the future.

While the new post-anasthetic care unit was planned to have 10 beds, an increase of three from the current provision.

Phase two of the project was subject to significant political scrutiny in the last political term, following the revelation that details of a projected overspend of £30m on the project had been withheld by officials from politicians.

It led to HSC commissioning an independent review of the project to see how phase two could be delivered in the current budget fo £120m.

The BBC has asked to see this review from UK firm Northmores, but HSC said it would not be published.

'Frustration and disappointment'

After questions from the BBC, Oswald said he could not provide a firm timescale on when the work would be completed.

He said: "While we hope we will be able to open the units in 2026, this is dependent on the contractor rectifying the identified defects.

"We continue to work closely with them to develop and execute a comprehensive remediation plan for these essential works.

"This delay is not the outcome we had hoped for, and we understand and share the frustration and disappointment that will be felt by many in our community."

Deputy Geroge Oswald has apologised for the delay

Despite this delay, HSC has been keen to stress that the current facility is fit for purpose and there was no risk to patients.

It said: "We want to reassure the community that patient safety remains our focus and there is no clinical risk associated with the delay. The existing units at the hospital continue to operate safely and effectively.

"We remain committed to opening the units as soon as is practicably possible, but it is essential the new facilities are delivered to the highest safety standards.

"Ensuring we get this right for our most vulnerable patients and our staff who care for them, remains our unwavering priority."