DUP Calls For Full Independent Inquiry Into Hospital Project

The DUP has called on the Health Minister for a full independent inquiry into the handling of the new regional maternity and children's hospital project.

DUP Health Spokesperson, Diane Dodds, brought forward a motion today to the NI Assembly requesting the investigation as further delays are anticipated to the project which is already ten years behind schedule.

The MLA said: "This extraordinary delay not only affects the vital services the new hospital was intended to provide for the people of Northern Ireland, but it also has significant financial implications.

"To date, £184 million has already been spent on the mother and children's hospitals project, yet with no work expected to commence on site for the children's hospital before next year. Already the estimated total costs have risen to over £400 million more than originally proposed. "The Belfast Trust must answer for how such a scandalous situation has been allowed to occur. Decision-makers involved in this project must be held to account.

"Our motion calls on the Minister of Health to ensure that such failings cannot be repeated. We urge the commissioning of a full and independent inquiry into the handling of the maternity and children's hospital project to date, including the process of handover of the maternity hospital to the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust in March 2024."

Mrs Dodds also stressed that no further public money is lost and that any setbacks which impacted the maternity hospital cannot occur with the children's facility.

She added: "Public trust in those responsible for this project has been severely damaged and urgent action is required to restore confidence in the trust’s ability to see the projects through to completion."