Cost of new Edinburgh Sick Kids hospital millions more than previously thought

Edinburgh's delayed new Sick Kids hospital is costing millions of pounds more than previously thought.

That's according to a report from the finance watchdog Audit Scotland, which doesn't take into account the latest problems with the ventilation system.

The move to the new site at Little France is on hold indefinitely until that issue is investigated.

But today's report reveals previous issues have added tens of millions onto the £150million project.

It reads: : "The project has faced a number of challenges and delays, with construction issues impairing the original project plan and timetable.

"These have since been resolved and the facility was handed over to NHS Lothian in February 2019.

"Towards the end of the build stage, a £11.6 million payment was agreed from NHS Lothian to IHSL to facilitate resolution of a number of issues but primarily the three key outstanding technical matters.

"Broadly, these three matters relate to a drainage solution, heater batteries, and void fire detectors.

"This payment is in addition to the £150 million construction cost as at financial close and £80 million of enabling and equipment works outwith the agreement with IHSL."

Scottish Labour health spokeswoman Monica Lennon, who has previously called for a public inquiry into the scandal, said the report raises more questions than answers.

She said: "The Government has clearly known for some time about the serious issues around governance and problems with the progress of the contract for the new Sick Kids hospital Edinburgh."

"With the publication of today's report, it begs the questions of why the Health Secretary hasn't previously mentioned it and how the situation has been allowed to progress to this stage.

"We are learning more about this scandal by the day and events have now moved on even from when this audit report was signed off earlier in the summer."