NHS launches legal action over build of Glasgow hospital

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NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) has published legal action seeking £73 million in damages from four companies involved in the build of the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital and the Royal Hospital for Children.

The health board has served a summons on Multiplex, Capita Property and Infrastructure Ltd, BPY Holdings, and Currie and Brown UK Limited. In a statement, NHSGGC said that losses and damages were incurred ‘due to a number of technical issues’.

NHSGGC added that the firms did not meet their build requirements in 11 areas. These are listed in official documentation as: the water system, ventilation, plant and building service capacity, toughened glazing, door frames being ‘not as required in the contract’, the heating system, the atrium roof, internal fabric moisture ingress, and the pneumatic transport system.

NHSGGC said it published the summons due to the ‘public interest in the hospitals and legal proceedings’. Jane Grant, chief executive of NHSGGC said, “We would assure patients and their families that patient safety is paramount and that patient care at the two hospitals is of a high standard. Our staff strive at all times to provide high quality care and I would like to thank them for their continued professionalism and dedication during this time.

“Whilst we are now taking legal action on a number of design and installation issues, it is important to stress that the hospitals continue to provide safe and effective care. A significant amount of work has already taken place including the remedial action on the water supply and the ventilation. We know that patients, families and staff have been caused concern as the issues have emerged and I am sorry for any distress caused. As the matters are now the subject of court proceedings, we are not in a position to comment further.”