Scottish NHS new building projects delayed for two years
Over a dozen NHS construction projects in Scotland are being paused as spending budgets come under pressure.
The Scottish Government has warned health boards that no more cash is available and all new projects are being paused for up to two years.
Funding will continue to be available to tackle the hospital maintenance backlog.
The Scottish Government now aims publish a revised healthcare infrastructure programme in the Spring setting out re-prioritised projects.
Soaring construction costs, material shortages and tougher ventilation standards have eaten into building budgets.
It has emerged a programme to build a network of 10 treatment centres across Scotland will the biggest casualty of the spending clampdown.
A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “The UK Government did not inflation-proof its capital budget which has resulted in nearly a 10% real-term cut in the Scottish Government’s capital funding over the medium-term between 2023-24 and 2027-28.
“The result of this cut is that new health capital projects have currently been paused. Our emphasis for the immediate future will be on addressing backlog maintenance and essential equipment replacement.
“We are investing £314m in 2024/25 in health infrastructure allowing all major projects in construction to be completed – this includes the Baird and Anchor Hospitals in Aberdeen, Parkhead Health Centre and the Golden Jubilee Expansion Phase 2.”
NHS projects put on hold
Ayrshire and Arran:
National treatment centre at Carrick Glen Hospital in Ayr
Grampian:
National treatment centre in Aberdeen
Ward upgrade at Dr Gray’s Hospital, Elgin
Highland:
Replacement hospital in Fort William
Refurbishment Caithness General Hospital
Maternity unit expansion at Raigmore Hospital, Inverness
Expansion Cowal Community Hospital in Dunoon
Lanarkshire:
Replacing Monklands Hospital, Airdrie
National treatment centre in Cumbernauld
Lothian:
New cancer centre and eye hospital, Edinburgh
National treatment centre in Livingston
Tayside:
National treatment centre at Perth Royal Infirmary