Safety problems keep children’s hospital closed

EDINBURGH: Faults found in fire and electrical systems at new building

Problems with the fire and electrical systems have been found at a new hospital that has been lying empty due to safety concerns.

The Royal Hospital for Children and Young People (RHCYP) in Edinburgh was due to open in July, but this has been delayed until next autumn.

The delay is expected to come at an additional estimated cost of £16 million as a result of work required on the site to address the issues raised, as well as continued operation and improvements.

A new report has now found work is also needed on the fire and electrical systems prior to patients moving in.

The National Services Scotland (NSS) review found major problems with the electricity systems, including a need for mitigation to avoid the failure of the single electrical supply to critical equipment such as life support systems.

The review found there appeared to be a “lack of qualified and experienced”, authorised and competent persons for the electrical installation.

Issues were also identified with the fire system, including a requirement to upgrade fire doors and improve smoke dampers on evacuation routes.

Some compliance records could not be found, and for both NHS Lothian and the consortium behind the building IHSL, the investigators said there appeared to be omissions in an effective management structure.

The report is the final part of the NSS review after the first phase last month found a range of issues, including with ventilation and water systems.

The Royal Hospital for Children and Young People was meant to open in July.